STRAW REJECTS BAD LAW CLAIM
Straw rejects 'bad law' claim
By Desmond McCartan
HOME Secretary Jack Straw today rejected criticism that the rushed legal crackdown on terrorist suspects could be counter-productive and bad law.
He also denied that the step would hand RUC officers sweeping powers to "settle old scores' against terrorist suspects.
Mr Straw insisted there was "a world of difference" between the proposed Bill, to be debated by MPs and peers next week, and the defunct UK internment power.
But there are signs that some MPs are uneasy about the nature of the legislation amid worries that it could lead to further legal challenges, possibly under European human rights law.
In a surprise development, the Government announced that the measure would be widened to embrace other groups, such as Islamic fundamentalists, involved in international terrorism.
The move follows the recent attacks on US embassies in Africa, where 262 died, and threats against British missions.
Anyone plotting to kill others abroad will face a life sentence.
Liberty, the civil liberties campaign group, warned that the measure was fraught with problems.
Jane Winter, spokeswoman for the British-Irish Rights Group, said she was alarmed that a policeman's word, even with some corroboration, should be enough to secure a conviction.
By Desmond McCartan
HOME Secretary Jack Straw today rejected criticism that the rushed legal crackdown on terrorist suspects could be counter-productive and bad law.
He also denied that the step would hand RUC officers sweeping powers to "settle old scores' against terrorist suspects.
Mr Straw insisted there was "a world of difference" between the proposed Bill, to be debated by MPs and peers next week, and the defunct UK internment power.
But there are signs that some MPs are uneasy about the nature of the legislation amid worries that it could lead to further legal challenges, possibly under European human rights law.
In a surprise development, the Government announced that the measure would be widened to embrace other groups, such as Islamic fundamentalists, involved in international terrorism.
The move follows the recent attacks on US embassies in Africa, where 262 died, and threats against British missions.
Anyone plotting to kill others abroad will face a life sentence.
Liberty, the civil liberties campaign group, warned that the measure was fraught with problems.
Jane Winter, spokeswoman for the British-Irish Rights Group, said she was alarmed that a policeman's word, even with some corroboration, should be enough to secure a conviction.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0275
Published Date: 26-Aug-98
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