No charges for Jack Straw or MI6 over 'Libya rendition'
Abdel Hakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi, along with members of their families, were kidnapped and sent to face punishment in Libya in 2004
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.No charges will be brought over allegations of the rendition of two families to Libya 12 years ago.
There is "insufficient evidence" to press criminal charges as part of the investigation into how the Belhadj and Al Saadi families were handled, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
The CPS, working with the Metropolitan Police on the investigation known as Operation Lydd which was set up to consider complaints of ill treatment against detainees, looked at "a large number" or records, people and organisations including the security services and Government departments.
Abdel Hakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi, along with members of their families, were kidnapped and sent to face punishment in Libya in 2004.
Mr Belhadj and his wife, Fatima Boudchar accused former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and an ex-senior MI6 officer, Sir Mark Allen, of being responsible for their forced return to Colonel Gaddafi's Libya in March 2004 where they suffered ill-treatment.
Sue Hemming, head of the CPS's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Following a thorough investigation, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence to charge the suspect with any criminal offence.
"We made our decision based upon all the available admissible evidence and after weighing up all of the information we have been provided with."
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments