*/
Hundreds of torture victims have been wrongly locked up in immigration detention centres, the High Court ruled.
In the case brought by seven survivors and charity Medical Justice, Mr Justice Ouseley ruled that the definition of torture used in the Home Office policy, Adults at risk, was too narrow and lacked a ‘rational or evidence base’. The policy limited torture to cover acts carried out by official state agents.
As a result, many individuals who had suffered at the hands of traffickers and other abusers, and where doctors had provided evidence that they had been tortured, were wrongly held in detention, adding to their trauma.
The Home Office, which said it will not appeal the decision, could now face dozens of claims from those unlawfully detained.
Hundreds of torture victims have been wrongly locked up in immigration detention centres, the High Court ruled.
In the case brought by seven survivors and charity Medical Justice, Mr Justice Ouseley ruled that the definition of torture used in the Home Office policy, Adults at risk, was too narrow and lacked a ‘rational or evidence base’. The policy limited torture to cover acts carried out by official state agents.
As a result, many individuals who had suffered at the hands of traffickers and other abusers, and where doctors had provided evidence that they had been tortured, were wrongly held in detention, adding to their trauma.
The Home Office, which said it will not appeal the decision, could now face dozens of claims from those unlawfully detained.
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
