'Secret Interrogation Centre' Uncovered

The Pat Finucane Centre says it has uncovered declassified British government documents which prove the existence of a secret interrogation centre in Ballykelly, County L'Derry.

The centre claims London misled two official inquiries as well as the European Court of Human Rights.

"On 9 August 1971, 350-plus people were arrested and interned," a statement from the Centre said.

"Twelve of the internees were subjected to 'deep interrogation'. They were subjected to sleep deprivation, white noise, wall-standing, a diet of bread and water and hooding. These became known as 'the five techniques.' The European Commission on Human Rights called it torture."

The Centre claims the UK government had kept the location of the interrogation chambers a closely-kept secret.

It quotes a 'British lieutenant colonel' as saying: "It was very important to keep secure the existence and location of the centre at Ballykelly where the 12 detainees in question had been interrogated. It was not publicly known that this centre existed as well as others which were known."

The Pat Finucane Centre says an inquiry in November 1971 made no mention of Ballykelly and that in the European Court of Human Rights’ final ruling on a case the Irish government took against London, there are "only two references to Ballykelly.

"This shows the British government misled parliament, the European Commission and the European Court of Human Rights."

Concluding, the statement said: "The PFC believes that this was deceptive and probably illegal and has notified the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin which is examining the matter. We are also preparing a submission to the Committee of Ministers in Europe."

The Pat Finucane Centre will be presenting its findings at this year's Féile An Phobail in Belfast.

(IT/MH)