UK linked to 'abuse' of Libya rebel

David Cameron welcomed an investigation into accusations that the UK security services became 'too close' to Libya
12 April 2012

A Libyan rebel commander has claimed UK intelligence agents knew he was being tortured but did nothing to help him.

Abdul Hakim Belhadj said he clearly signalled his physical abuse during an interview in Tripoli but nothing was done to stop the violence against him.

Belhadj is threatening to sue the British Government for its alleged involvement in his 2004 rendition and subsequent imprisonment.

Documents uncovered by Human Rights Watch in the offices of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's former security chief Musa Kusa suggested that the UK was involved in helping Libya detain terror suspects including Belhadj.

Belhadj told The Times that during a meeting with three British agents he made chopping motions with his hands to signal his treatment.

He said "they moved their heads and agreed... they got my message" and added that "I have no doubt, not a single doubt, they knew", but the torture continued.

An independent inquiry is to look into claims that the UK traded information with Gaddafi's security forces in return for intelligence extracted from detainees in the country's jails.

Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs that the allegations were "significant" and would be examined "very carefully" by Sir Peter Gibson's inquiry, which was set up last year to consider allegations of UK complicity in the mistreatment of terror suspects in Guantanamo Bay.

Meanwhile, Colonel Gaddafi's spokesman claimed the dictator was still in Libya and in "high spirits".

Moussa Ibrahim told Syrian-based television station Arrai TV: "The leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is in excellent health in high spirits. He is present and well and in good health and in a place that can't be reached by those fractious groups and he is in Libya."

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