The compensation payments are all well and good if it means a full and open
inquiry into the torture allegations
can begin, but trying to bar the relatives of those killed in the 2007 tube
bombings from attending a long-fought-for inquest is disgraceful.
Secrecy has its place –
of course it does, but if the Coroner, Lady Justice Hallett, believes that the
hearing can be conducted without compromising national security then isn’t this
reassurance enough?
In her measured ruling she insisted that “…sources’ names
may be withheld, redactions made. I do not intend to endanger the lives of
anyone. I do not intend to allow questions that might do so”.
If the security services won’t even trust a senior judge, you really have to question whether they recognise the vital role of the courts in a free society – a society which they serve.
Find out more:
- BBC News - Government to fight 7 July inquests ruling
- Secret inquests
- Victims' rights
- Article 2 of the Human Rights Act: the Right to Life
- Countering terrorism
- UK complicity in torture
