Menu
14/06/2006
Saudi 'custody torture' case thrown out
Four men, three Britons and a Canadian, seeking leave to sue Saudi Arabian authorities for alleged torture while they were held in custody have had their case thrown out by the Law Lords.
The four, Sandy Mitchell, Les Walker, Ron Jones, and Canadian Bill Sampson, claimed they had been subjected to torture to extract confessions that they had been involved in a series of al-Qaeda bomb attacks in Riyadh the Saudi capital.
All were subsequently released by a Saudi Royal pardon in August 2003. But independent evidence has confirmed that the men had been beaten, deprived of sleep, and given drugs.
In 2004, the men had initially been granted permission to sue in the lower courts, but the Law Lords ruling has found in favour of a Saudi appeal against the initial finding that permitted them to sue.
The case, backed by human rights groups, will now be brought before the European Court of Human Rights.
Mr Sampson claimed today that the British government was complicit in "allowing their citizens to be tortured," while officials went to "cocktail parties."
The case is the first where the Law Lords have examined state immunity for a foreign country brought in a civil case alleging personal damages for torture.
The men claim they have not had justice and are determined to persue the case further.
(SP/KMcA)
The four, Sandy Mitchell, Les Walker, Ron Jones, and Canadian Bill Sampson, claimed they had been subjected to torture to extract confessions that they had been involved in a series of al-Qaeda bomb attacks in Riyadh the Saudi capital.
All were subsequently released by a Saudi Royal pardon in August 2003. But independent evidence has confirmed that the men had been beaten, deprived of sleep, and given drugs.
In 2004, the men had initially been granted permission to sue in the lower courts, but the Law Lords ruling has found in favour of a Saudi appeal against the initial finding that permitted them to sue.
The case, backed by human rights groups, will now be brought before the European Court of Human Rights.
Mr Sampson claimed today that the British government was complicit in "allowing their citizens to be tortured," while officials went to "cocktail parties."
The case is the first where the Law Lords have examined state immunity for a foreign country brought in a civil case alleging personal damages for torture.
The men claim they have not had justice and are determined to persue the case further.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 May 2003
UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
The UK embassy in Riyadh has been closed today over fears that more terror attacks are on the way. In an interview with Radio Four today, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir Derek Plumbly, said that the embassy would be closed to the public for a few days.
UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
The UK embassy in Riyadh has been closed today over fears that more terror attacks are on the way. In an interview with Radio Four today, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir Derek Plumbly, said that the embassy would be closed to the public for a few days.
28 June 2004
Abuse accused troops will be 'rigorously investigated': Straw
Following on from Saturday's International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the government has reiterated its opposition to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners and pledged to "rigorously investigate" all allegations against UK forces.
Abuse accused troops will be 'rigorously investigated': Straw
Following on from Saturday's International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the government has reiterated its opposition to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners and pledged to "rigorously investigate" all allegations against UK forces.
03 March 2015
Council And Police Apologise Over Child Sex Abuse In Oxford
A Serious Case Review into child sex abuse in Oxford has revealed many failures by the police and social services. The review found that the exploitation could have been identified earlier and that errors were made.
Council And Police Apologise Over Child Sex Abuse In Oxford
A Serious Case Review into child sex abuse in Oxford has revealed many failures by the police and social services. The review found that the exploitation could have been identified earlier and that errors were made.
28 August 2014
Shaun Wright Quits Labour Party Following Rotherham Report
Shaun Wright has resigned from the Labour party, amid increasing pressure following a report on abuse in Rotherham, where he managed children's services between 2005 and 2010. Mr Wright was under increased pressure in light of a report that said almost 1,400 children had been sexually exploited between 1997 and 2013.
Shaun Wright Quits Labour Party Following Rotherham Report
Shaun Wright has resigned from the Labour party, amid increasing pressure following a report on abuse in Rotherham, where he managed children's services between 2005 and 2010. Mr Wright was under increased pressure in light of a report that said almost 1,400 children had been sexually exploited between 1997 and 2013.
26 April 2013
Shake-Up For Met Police Rape Unit
Metropolitan police teams that deal with rape and sexual assault cases are facing a shake-up. According to the BBC, it is believed around 100 extra officers will be recruited as the investigators of rape, child abuse and sexual assault are merged into one department.
Shake-Up For Met Police Rape Unit
Metropolitan police teams that deal with rape and sexual assault cases are facing a shake-up. According to the BBC, it is believed around 100 extra officers will be recruited as the investigators of rape, child abuse and sexual assault are merged into one department.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
