Terror Suspects Win Court Case On Secret Evidence – UK
December 1, 2009 by national
Filed under World Report
Two men suspected of terrorist-related activities have won a landmark High Court battle against government use of secret evidence to deny them bail.
Two judges ruled that a person cannot be denied bail solely on the basis of secret evidence.
Human rights solicitors have described the judgement as a “historic” victory.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson called the ruling “unhelpful” and will seek to appeal. If he fails, the men branded security risks -could be freed.
Saying he was “surprised and disappointed”, Mr Johnson added: “My sole objective is protecting the public and this judgement will make that job harder.
“We will do everything possible to keep this country safe and are taking steps accordingly in the light of this unhelpful judgment.”
The ruling represents victory for a Pakistani student facing removal from the UK, who had been refused bail on the basis of secret evidence, and an Algerian national – known as U – whose bail was revoked.
via BBC News – Terror suspects win High Court case on secret evidence.
The UK’s freedoms will be their downfall just as America is being compromised by extending the rights of American citizens to those who are not citizens. And there lies the conundrum. How is a citizen-turned-terrorist handled? Are their rights as a citizen denied as in this UK bail incident? What about the Ft. Hood massacre? He is a citizen and a terrorist, allegedly. This should be an easy one since he is in the Army, thus a military tribunal, which doesn’t have the same constraints as civilian courts. So, IMO, anyone suspected of terrorist acts or plotting same should come under a different set of rules because it is a case of National Security. The government is obligated by our Constitution to protect the citizenry; if there is a threat or perceived threat, it must be stopped.
This is in addition to my previous comment. If someone is accused of terrorist acts or plotting, they have put themselves in a different category than other criminals. They have become or alleged to have become “enemies of the State.” Years ago if a person committed treason, he/she were executed. That was the punishment. Some people having committed treason in recent years and have been jailed for life, but not put to death. Terrorism is a crime against America and should be tried under a much more stringent set of rules and the military tribunal does just that.
couldn’t have said it better!
Sgt. U.S. Army, Infantry
Ft.Stewart Ga.
One thing to consider, homeland security is not just for those who put on a Police or emergency services uniform – its for everyone to be vigilant. If you see or hear anything that’s likely to cause a problem – TELL the emergency authorities – they will respond appropriately.
The old saying is “better to be safe than sorry”
With reference to the Ft Hood incident – allegedly the person was talking to friends and colleagues – that caused them concern – well don’t sit there do something about it.
Stay safe and well