- Juan Mendez warns UK over torture inquiry; Source: UN Information Service Geneva
The reason for criticism by NGOs including Amnesty International, Liberty, and Reprieve was the announcement by the government that they will decide which information will be made public at the end of the inquiry. Experts have also claimed that the inquiry might not ask for evidence from overseas agencies or governments. Individuals claiming they have been tortured by UK authorities will have no status in the proceedings; in particular they will not be allowed to see secret material or testimony against them.
Mendez has welcomed the efforts to investigate the alleged complicity of UK authorities in torture during the “War on Terror” after the attacks of 9/11 but emphasised that the inquiry must be open and transparent to succeed.
BBC News: Torture inquiry: UN's Juan Mendez calls for openness
Guardian: UN fears for British government inquiry into torture
