Whether or not there was a “row” between different arms of the UK’s intelligence services over MI6’s role in the rendition of Abdel Hakim Belhaj and his wife to Libya pales into insignificance compared to whether anyone is going to be made answerable for their actions in this deeply disturbing affair (Blair government’s rendition policy led to rift between UK spy agencies, 1 June). There seems little doubt that Mr Belhaj endured years of suffering in one of Colonel Gaddafi’s jails as a direct consequence of MI6’s involvement in his kidnapping by the CIA.
It’s now nearly six years since David Cameron promised a judge-led inquiry into this and other credible allegations that UK officials were involved in a wide pattern of kidnap, detention and torture overseas during the “war on terror”.
However, instead of a fully independent, judge-led inquiry, we’re now awaiting an investigation by the underpowered intelligence and security committee – entirely the wrong body for this vital task. The ISC is also required to send its findings to the prime minister of the day, who has the final say over what the public will – and will not – be allowed to see from the ISC’s investigation.
While spook specialists will be interested in whether the spies fell out over rendition, the real issue is the business of establishing the full truth and ensuring proper accountability over one of the murkiest episodes in Britain’s recent history.
Allan Hogarth
Head of policy and government affairs, Amnesty International UK
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