Police will probe MI6 torture claim

12 April 2012

An allegation that officers from Secret Intelligence Service MI6 were complicit in torture is to be investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

Scotland Yard said the Attorney General, Baronness Scotland, asked it to investigate "the conditions under which a non-Briton was held" and the "potential involvement of British personnel".

The case is unrelated to that of Binyam Mohammed, which Metropolitan Police officers are also investigating, said a spokesman.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that the Attorney General asked the Metropolitan Police to investigate a case that was a referral from the Secret Intelligence Service.

"This is unrelated to Binyam Mohamed but looks at the conditions under which a non-British citizen was detained and the potential involvement of British personnel. An investigation is ongoing."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband confirmed the investigation in a letter to his Tory counterpart.

He said the case was referred by MI6 "on its own initiative" and was not prompted by an accusation against SIS or the person concerned.

He said: "As you are aware, the police are already looking at allegations related to Mr Binyam Mohamed.

"One further case has subsequently been referred by the Attorney General to the police. This case was referred to the Attorney General by SIS on its own initiative, unprompted by any accusation against the Service or the individual concerned.

"It is for the police to investigate. The Government cannot comment further both to avoid prejudice and to protect the individuals involved. The scope and handling of any police investigation is a matter for the police themselves."

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