27/05/2009

Home Office Faces 'Torture' Legal Action

A British man held on suspicion of terrorism in Bangladesh, is taking legal action against the UK Government over allegations MI5 agents colluded in his torture, the Home Office has confirmed.

Lawyers for Jamil Rahman wrote to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith claiming she was complicit in his assault, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and breaches of human rights legislation.

According to the Guardian newspaper, the formal civil servant - who grew up in south Wales - claims he received beatings by Bangladesh security forces, while two M15 officers ignored his treatment.

He was arrested in 2005 in connection with the suicide attacks on London's transport network and is now living in Britain, the report said

Mr Rahman said he was detained in December 2005 by the DGFI - one of Bangladesh's intelligence services. He also alleged he was stripped, beaten and at one point his wife was held in the next room and Bangladeshi officers threatened to rape her.

A spokeswoman said his legal team had written to Ms Smith and said the government would respond "in due course".

The Home Office said British security forces neither condone nor use torture.

The Guardian newspaper reported Mr Rahman's lawyers have a "wealth of evidence" to support their client’s allegations, including eyewitness testimony and medical evidence.

(JM/BMcc)

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