Control Orders to be Challenged in the House of Lords


From BBC Online

The government’s controversial anti-terror control orders are set to be challenged in the House of Lords. Ten terror suspects placed under the measures – at least two of whom are on the run – will argue they violate their rights to liberty and a fair trial.

Five Law Lords will also consider Home Secretary Jacqui Smith’s appeal against a ruling which said orders imposed on six Iraqis breached their human rights.

Control orders place terror suspects under curfews of up to 18 hours a day. Opponents say they amount to “virtual house arrest” and are often based on evidence which is not made public.

Eric Metcalfe, of human rights and law reform organisation Justice, said: “We cannot allow the fight against terrorism to compromise basic fairness.