Countering Civil Rights

The United Kingdom government has replaced powers to detain suspected terrorists under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 with the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005. In place of indefinite detention in Belmarsh prison, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 has introduced ‘control orders’ which will be based on ‘intelligence assessments’ prepared by MI5 and authorized by the Home Secretary.

‘Control Orders’ include ‘tagging’, no mobile phones or internet access, restricted movements, and indefinite ‘house arrests’. Individuals will be able to appeal against the orders and conditions, but these judicial hearings will effectively take place in camera without the defendant or their lawyers being present.