Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Libyans take Jack Straw to court over 'rendition'

 

Terri Judd
Friday 29 June 2012 04:53 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tony Blair could be cross-examined in court over allegations the UK assisted in illegal renditions, it was claimed yesterday as lawyers for two Libyans began legal proceedings against Jack Straw and a former MI6 director.

Lawyers for Abdel Hakim Belhadj, 45, and Sami Al Saadi issued formal proceedings at the High Court yesterday against the former Foreign Secretary as well as MI6's ex-director of counter-terrorism, Sir Mark Allen.

Mr Belhadj, a prominent Gaddafi opponent and now politician, and Mr Al Saadi allege the two men approved their CIA rendition back to Libya in 2004 – along with their wives and children – where they say they were tortured, incarcerated for years and interrogated by agents including, they claim, British ones.

A spokesman for solicitors Leigh Day & Co said: "The trial could see Tony Blair called to give evidence, under oath, as early as next year."

Both Mr Blair and Mr Straw have always denied approving or even knowing about the renditions.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in