Menu
18/04/2012
Jack Straw Face's Legal Action Over Rendition
Jack Straw is to face legal action being brought by a Libyan military commander, to find out if the ex-foreign secretary signed papers allowing his rendition.
Abdel Hakim Belhadj claims CIA agents took him from Thailand to Gaddafi-led Libya, via UK-controlled Diego Garcia.
His lawyers have served papers on Mr Straw after the Sunday Times reported claims that he allowed this to happen.
As UK ministers denied any complicity in rendition or torture, Mr Straw said he could not comment because of the ongoing police investigation into the UK's alleged role in illegal rendition.
Earlier this month, the BBC revealed that the UK government had approved the rendition of Mr Belhadj and his wife - Fatima Bouchar - to Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime, though it was unclear at what level.
On 15 April, the Sunday Times published an article, which quoted sources as alleging Mr Straw had personally authorised Mr Belhadj's rendition to Libya.
The civil action is against Mr Straw personally - Mr Belhadj's lawyers believe it is the first time legal action of this kind has been taken against a former foreign secretary.
Mr Belhadj and his wife allege Mr Straw was complicit in the "torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, batteries and assaults" they say were perpetrated on them by Thai and US agents, as well as Libyan authorities.
They are seeking damages from Mr Straw for the trauma involved.
(H)
Abdel Hakim Belhadj claims CIA agents took him from Thailand to Gaddafi-led Libya, via UK-controlled Diego Garcia.
His lawyers have served papers on Mr Straw after the Sunday Times reported claims that he allowed this to happen.
As UK ministers denied any complicity in rendition or torture, Mr Straw said he could not comment because of the ongoing police investigation into the UK's alleged role in illegal rendition.
Earlier this month, the BBC revealed that the UK government had approved the rendition of Mr Belhadj and his wife - Fatima Bouchar - to Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime, though it was unclear at what level.
On 15 April, the Sunday Times published an article, which quoted sources as alleging Mr Straw had personally authorised Mr Belhadj's rendition to Libya.
The civil action is against Mr Straw personally - Mr Belhadj's lawyers believe it is the first time legal action of this kind has been taken against a former foreign secretary.
Mr Belhadj and his wife allege Mr Straw was complicit in the "torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, batteries and assaults" they say were perpetrated on them by Thai and US agents, as well as Libyan authorities.
They are seeking damages from Mr Straw for the trauma involved.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 September 2004
Straw demands global action against terrorists
The international community must come together to defeat terrorists and their despicable aims, the Foreign Secretary has said. Speaking to the UN General Assembly in New York, Jack Straw said that the UK was continuing to work towards the release of the British engineer, Ken Bigley, currently held captive by terrorists in Iraq.
Straw demands global action against terrorists
The international community must come together to defeat terrorists and their despicable aims, the Foreign Secretary has said. Speaking to the UN General Assembly in New York, Jack Straw said that the UK was continuing to work towards the release of the British engineer, Ken Bigley, currently held captive by terrorists in Iraq.
14 April 2003
Straw denies plans for armed action against Syria
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said that there are no Coalition plans for a military intervention in Syria – despite the more bellicose statements emerging from Whitehouse officials.
Straw denies plans for armed action against Syria
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said that there are no Coalition plans for a military intervention in Syria – despite the more bellicose statements emerging from Whitehouse officials.
12 March 2009
Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling
The number of people being admitted to hospital in England for knife injuries has fallen by 8%, according to new figures released today. The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling
The number of people being admitted to hospital in England for knife injuries has fallen by 8%, according to new figures released today. The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
04 March 2005
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
29 October 2004
UK launches 'international priorities' on climate change
Urgent international action is required to tackle climate change and secure sustainable energy supplies, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today.
UK launches 'international priorities' on climate change
Urgent international action is required to tackle climate change and secure sustainable energy supplies, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
