The proposal submitted by the British government, confirmed in the British Queen’s speech during Wednesday’s state opening of the UK Parliament, allows certain court evidence to be heard from behind closed doors.
The Guardian reported that the proposals would not move to the preparatory white paper stage, where the relevant department would provide in-depth proposals for legislation.
Instead, a justice and security bill is to be put through the parliament, reported the newspaper.
Amnesty International has described the proposed legal changes as “dangerous,” saying they would allow the British government to keep secret any evidence of human rights violations.
“They will allow the government to throw a cloak of secrecy over wrongdoing, including matters as serious as the alleged involvement by UK officials in rendition, secret detention, enforced disappearances and torture”, said Tara Lyle, Policy Adviser at Amnesty International UK.
The Guardian said the proposed legislation was a direct result of severe pressure imposed by British intelligence agencies, MI5 and MI6, after it was revealed that they were “involved in the brutal treatment, and knew of the torture, of UK residents and citizens detained by the CIA.”
Furthermore, it was announced in the British Queen’s speech that television cameras would be allowed to film courts in England and Wales.
ISH/PKH/HE
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