UK to probe claim of spy complicity
The British government is set to formally announce an inquiry into whether its spy agencies colluded in the torture of terrorism suspects overseas, a probe that could complicate intelligence-sharing with the United States.
Prime Minister David Cameron’s office said he would make a statement on the treatment of detainees in the House of Commons later on Tuesday.
Foreign secretary William Hague announced in May that there would be a judge-led inquiry, but said details were still being worked out.
Downing Street would not give advance details of Mr Cameron’s statement or say whether an inquiry would be held in public. But it is likely to arouse fears in Washington that secret information could be released.
British spies have not been accused of torturing detainees, but several former suspects have alleged that British officials were complicit in their mistreatment while they were held by agents from the United States, Pakistan and other countries, because officials knew of abuse but did not stop it.
A dozen men have filed lawsuits against the British government, and the police are investigating the actions of two officers from the MI5 and MI6 spy agencies.
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