Euro MPs slam Britain's role in CIA torture

The parliament criticised member states for failing to investigate serious human rights violations connected with the CIA programme.

Previous investigations have been hampered by lack of transparency, prevalence of political interests, restriction of victims' right to effective participation and lack of rigorous investigative techniques.

A motion to accept the new report on the accountability of EU countries and their involvement in renditions and other human rights violations was passed by an overwhelming majority - 568 votes (34 against, 77 abstentions).

The parliament also called on Britain to launch a new and transparent inquiry into its role in the mistreatment of detainees in the "war on terror" following its decision to shelve the heavily-criticised Gibson Inquiry.

The new report "calls on the UK to conduct [a future] inquiry with due transparency, allowing the effective participation of victims and civil society."

The report was welcomed by campaigners.

Reprieve investigator Crofton Black said: "This comprehensive statement shows that Europe - including the UK - has failed to come to terms with its key role in the CIA's programme of torture and rendition.

"Countries including Britain, Romania and Lithuania have failed to carry out the necessary inquiries into the part they played in some of the worst human rights abuses of the war on terror."

Amnesty International policy adviser Tara Lyle said it was "vital" that the British government follow the European Parliament's lead in "making progress over the great rendition cover-up.

She said we need a new inquiry "that finally allows victims and the general public to learn what went on during this dark period."

paddym@peoples-press.com