News Flash
Council of Europe Anti-Torture Committee visits
the United Kingdom
30.11.2005 - A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the
Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has
recently carried out a six-day visit to the United Kingdom.
The visit, which began on 20 November 2005, was carried out by two members of
the CPT, Mario FELICE, a Maltese lawyer (Head of delegation) and Pétur HAUKSSON,
an Icelandic psychiatrist. They were assisted by Per BORGA, a Swedish
Psychiatrist and supported by Trevor STEVENS (Executive Secretary) and Hugh
CHETWYND (Head of Unit) of the CPT’s Secretariat.
The delegation examined the treatment and conditions of detention of certain
persons recently detained under the Immigration Act 1971, with a view to being
deported. Particular attention was given to the mental health of the individuals
concerned. In this context, the delegation visited Full Sutton and Long Lartin
Prisons as well as Broadmoor Special Hospital. It also interviewed two persons
currently under house arrest.
In addition, the delegation visited Paddington Green High Security Police
Station, and also met persons served with control orders under the Prevention of
Terrorism Act 2005.
During the visit, the delegation held an exchange of views with officials
from the Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the use of
diplomatic assurances in the context of deportation proceedings, and related
Memoranda of Understanding. Further, certain issues related to the envisaged
extension of police custody to a maximum of 28 days in terrorism-related cases
were explored with the United Kingdom authorities.
The above, and other questions, were also discussed in a meeting with Lord
Carlile of Berriew Q.C., the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation in
the United Kingdom.
