UK govt. plans for secret courts rapped

Khan attacked the Coalition government’s changes to its legal system, saying they are not properly understood by ministers and appear to be a “Trojan Horse for far-reaching upheavals to our entire civil justice system.”

The proposals submitted by the British government, confirmed in the Queen’s speech during the state opening of the UK Parliament on May 9, allow certain court evidence to be heard from behind closed doors.

“Controversial changes to our justice system involving sensitive intelligence material deserve better from this shoddy Tory-led Government. Their plans are too widely defined, too rushed and subject to internal coalition disagreements, showing what a shambles of a government this is,” Khan said.

Earlier this month, Amnesty International described the proposed legal changes as “dangerous,” saying they would allow the UK government to keep secret any evidence of human rights violations.

Furthermore, The Guardian reported that the proposed legislation was a direct result of 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.”

Meanwhile, the publication of the Coalition’s controversial justice and security bill is being delayed due to a row between the UK premier David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg over whether inquests should be subject to secret court procedures.

The bill was scheduled to be released today on May 24 by the British Justice Secretary Ken Clarke.

Commenting on reports about the delay in the bill’s publication, Khan said, “The way this Tory-led government has dealt with this sensitive issue shows what a prize mess it is making.”

SSM/SS/HE

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