UK: "Control orders" ruled unlawful
01 June 2006
Judge who described the system as an "affront to justice" quashes six orders. The High Court ruling is the second by the same judge against the control orders legislation. The government will try to overturn the decision at the Court of Appeal on Monday 3 July. It has again blamed the Human Rights Act although the legislation is widely viewed as incompatible with basic principles of British justice. At least 14 control orders have been issued so far on the basis of secret evidence from the intelligence services. The recipients have not been charged with any related offences and can only challenge the orders through "special advocates" who may not disclose the allegations against them.
See:
"A stampede against justice" by Gareth Peirce and the
Prevention of Terrorism Act - full-text (pdf) introducing the "control orders". See also
Explanatory Notes (link).