MI6 involvement in abductions, torture. posted by lenin

The British government slapped a gag order (or D-Notice) on the British press to obstruct the naming of the MI6 officer and station chief who is alleged to have masterminded the arrest and torture of Pakistani 'terror suspects'. The Guardian was gracious enough not to mention the name of the officer involved, although they know perfectly well who it is. In fact, most of the world knows who it is. The man's name is Nicholas Langman.

Greek blogger Histologion names him here.

Now, the thing about the D-Notice is that it is an entirely voluntary arrangement, totally unconnected to - say - the Official Secrets Act. This means what you think it means: the press willingly collude with the British government in keeping certain information secret that you really ought to know. There were claims that the story about the non-existent ricin plot was given a D-Notice, but it turned out (at least according to the Guardian) that the government had instead applied a Public Interest Immunity Certificate, which does have certain legal force.

At any rate, there is no reason on earth why anyone with half a brain should feel constrained to accept this sordid collusion. Here's a nice document for you to look at, confirming that Mr Langman is indeed the alleged torture/abduction mastermind:



Via Global Echo.

According to Histologion, these agents are very likely to end up in court:

[T]he public prosecutors' office is stating that the complaints are "absolutely valid" and is preparing to call the named Greek Intelligence officers to testify. This is something that the Intelligence Service (EYP) has already stated that it will not allow its employees to do, on grounds of "national interest". The lawyer of the abducted immigrants, however, is preparing to sue the named EYP officers. This will make not appearing in court difficult for the agents accused.

That's a fuck sight better treatment than any of abducted and tortured got.