COUNTER TERRORISM BILL MUST NOT TERRORISE THE INNOCENT - ÖPIK (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

COUNTER TERRORISM BILL MUST NOT TERRORISE THE INNOCENT - ÖPIK

November 20, 2008 4:12 PM

During yesterday's debate on the Counter Terrorism Bill, Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, questioned the minister on behalf of his constituents who have come face to face with Britain's Anti Terrorist laws.

He said:

"Two of my constituents have been detained, allegedly on terrorist matters. I believe them to be innocent, but I will not name them for legal reasons. Would my constituents be entitled to feel reassured by what the Minister is saying, in terms of their civil liberties, or would they be right to be concerned, like me, that the changes that the Government are trying to make at this stage will make it more likely that people like them could be detained without charge for a lengthy period whether or not they are ultimately found to be innocent?"

Commenting on the exchange, Lembit said:

"I am hugely concerned that this legislation does not encourage the use of gun-ho tactics by the police authorities. I am well aware of the brutal nature of investigation with which suspected terrorists are treated, and I believe that if we are to remain a nation where people are innocent until proved guilty we must be wary of the ever-increasing power of the state."

Ends/diwedd

Notes to editor:

To see the Hansard of Lembit's intervention, please visit:

http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081119/debtext/81119-0013.htm

Lembit has met with two of his constituents who have been accused of terrorism under the Terrorism Act. He also acted as a character witness for them in the Old Bailey earlier this year.