Ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees demand evidence of their alleged torture is heard in public
By APTuesday, October 27, 2009
Detainees demand torture evidence heard in public
LONDON — Seven former Guantanamo Bay detainees want Britain’s High Court to publicly consider evidence of Britain’s alleged complicity in their torture.
The men are among 11 people suing the British government over its alleged collusion in their mistreatment overseas.
Lawyers say the ex-detainees are asking the High Court on Tuesday to rule that previously secret evidence must be heard in public sessions.
Former detainee Binyam Mohamed is involved in the case and claims Britain was aware of his torture in Pakistan and Morocco.
Britain’s Foreign Office says the case involves thousands of documents, disclosure of which could damage national security. The government wants the material to be dealt with only in closed court sessions.
