Torture-flights row grows as police are accused of colluding with executive
23.02.06
Police were yesterday accused of colluding with the Scottish Executive to avoid investigating allegations of CIA torture flights passing through Scotland. Chris Ballance, the Green MSP, sent an Amnesty International dossier of allegations to Strathclyde police last year, asking for a meeting with senior officers about investigating flights using Prestwick airport.
When he failed to get anywhere, his staff put in a request under freedom of information legislation and he said he was stunned to receive a reply, referring to his original letter, admitting that police had taken advice from the Crown Office and the Scottish Executive.
Mr Ballance said: 'This began when we drew the attention of the police to Amnesty International material. Their response was not to carry out that investigation into the allegations, but to ask the Crown Office and the executive what they should do next.'
'This shows clearly that there has been political advice given by the executive on whether to investigate these alleged crimes. Can anyone imagine reporting any other crime to the police only for them to check with ministers before deciding whether to investigate? I find this response extraordinary.'
He said that every time the Greens had raised the issue of rendition flights with ministers, the stock response had been that it was nothing to do with the executive, and if there was evidence of a crime it should be taken to the police. Now the police were admitting that they consulted the executive before deciding to rule out an investigation.
Strathclyde police yesterday stood by the position of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), saying: 'Where there is evidence that a criminal act is in planning, in the course of perpetration, or has occurred, the police can investigate, and intervene. Where appropriate, this will be with the authority of a court warrant.'
'Application for warrants must be based upon more than speculation. At this stage there appears to be no evidence upon which a formal investigation could be founded in Scotland. Should more specific information become available the position will be reviewed.'
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