HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK ---------------------------
Ananova : Eight detained under new terror laws ========================= Eight suspected international terrorists have been detained under the Government's controversial new internment powers. Immigration officers launched raids on a number of addresses in London, Luton and the West Midlands. Eight foreign nationals were held, two of them in Luton, under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act. The internees, who are all men, are believed to have been taken directly to two high security prisons - Belmarsh in south-east London and Woodhill in Milton Keynes. Mr Blunkett told MPs he had signed certificates authorising the Immigration Service raids, which were backed by police. He said in a Commons written reply: "Following careful and detailed consideration ... the Immigration Service detained eight foreign nationals whom I suspect to be international terrorists." "They were detained earlier today and will be held in secure prison accommodation." Civil rights groups immediately announced plans to challenge Mr Blunkett's internment measures in the British and European courts. It is the first time the emergency powers to detain foreign nationals have been used since the Act passed on to the statute book last Monday. It is also the first time internment has been used since it was employed in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police confirmed that two men were detained under the anti-terror law at two separate addresses in Luton this morning. She added that a "handful" of police officers provided back-up to Immigration Service officers in the operation. The properties were also searched. A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed they had "performed a support role during an anti-terrorism operation" but declined to add further details, as did Scotland Yard. Story filed: 18:11 Wednesday 19th December 2001 ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9WB2D Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
