This resource is from the News section. This page contains press release 59/06, in which the MPA say they help safeguard the rights of suspects held under Anti-Terrorism laws.

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  • Notes to editors

MPA - Safeguarding the rights of suspects held under Anti-Terrorism laws

59/06
22 September 2006

People held by police under anti-terror laws are given the same right as other detainees to receive visits from Independent Custody Visitors.

John Roberts, MPA member with special responsibility for the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme in London, said:

“Some members of the community have questioned the conditions in which these suspects have been held, assuming they are kept isolated from any outside contact.

“In fact, they are offered visits from our Independent Custody Visitors who check on their physical welfare and health, their religious needs and that they are being informed of and afforded all the rights to which they are entitled by law.”

Under the ICV scheme, independent volunteers from London’s communities are trained to make frequent, unannounced visits to police stations across the capital to monitor the conditions in which detainees are being held. Detainees held on suspicion of terrorism-related offences are no exception and are offered an individual visit.

In recent months, as a result of much-publicised Metropolitan Police Service specialist operations, a significant number of individuals have been arrested on suspicion of their involvement in terrorism-related offences.

John Roberts added:

“I wish to make it clear that all those arrested under anti-terrorism legislation have been offered visits by Independent Custody Visitors during their period of detention before charge or release.

“Independent Custody Visitors will continue their important work, making visits to all police stations across the capital, including those holding detainees on suspicion of terrorism-related offences.

“The MPA will continue to deliver on its statutory responsibility to safeguard and guarantee the rights of all those held in police detention in London. And we extend our sincere thanks to London ICV volunteers for their dedication”

Notes to editors

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office