The government determined a set of rules which proved to be unacceptable for the human rights groups and lawyers. Large parts of the evidence will be heard in secret, evidence of foreign intelligence services may not be disclosed and victims have no right to question witnesses from intelligence agencies. Moreover, the letter criticised in particular the fact that the government can decide to what extent the gathered information will be published.
The inquiry is due to start after the completion of police investigations into the United Kingdoms’ complicity in torture. It is headed by retired judge Peter Gibson. The Gibson inquiry stated that it will continue the inquiry and that it would welcome evidence by the boycotting human rights organisations.
Guardian: Torture inquiry boycotted by human rights groups over lack of openness
