Press Release
Suspected international terrorists detained in the United
Kingdom: report of the Council of Europe's Anti-Torture Committee
Strasbourg,
12.02.2003 - In a report published
today, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) assesses the treatment of foreigners
detained in the United Kingdom pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and
Security Act 2001. The report, published at the request of the United Kingdom
authorities together with their response,
concerns a visit carried out in February 2002.
The
CPT's delegation heard no allegations of physical ill-treatment by police
officers of persons detained under the 2001 Act and, with one exception, there
were no allegations of physical ill-treatment by prison officers. Some
allegations of verbal abuse were received.
Persons
detained pursuant to the 2001 Act were being treated as Category A prisoners,
the highest security risk classification. Their material conditions of detention
were of an adequate standard. However, as regards out-of-cell time and
activities, the situation found left a great deal to be desired. In their
response, the United Kingdom authorities inform the CPT that persons detained
under the 2001 Act have been moved to units capable of offering enhanced
activities and that their regime is subject to ongoing review.
As
regards health care, the CPT recommended that consideration be given to the
specific needs - both present and future - of persons detained under the 2001
Act, in terms of psychological support and/or psychiatric treatment. In their
response, the United Kingdom authorities underline the commitment of health care
staff to providing an adequate level of care to the detainees.
Council of Europe Secretary
General Walter Schwimmer welcomed the decision to publish these documents and
highlighted the constructive spirit which characterises the well-established
co-operation between the Committee and the United Kingdom. Mr Schwimmer also
expressed his appreciation of the clear statement by the United Kingdom
Government that actions taken by its institutions and officials to combat
terrorism and to preserve a democratic society will at all times be in
accordance with the fundamental human rights of any person against whom action
is taken.
The
CPT report and the response of the United Kingdom authorities are available on
the CPT’s website (http://www.cpt.coe.int)
