Record rise in the number of complaints against MI5 and other bodies authorised to spy on the public

A record rise in the number of complaints against MI5 and other bodies authorised to spy on the public is being investigated by judges appointed to oversee the use of surveillance powers in Britain.

Some of the allegations brought to the attention of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, include claims of harassment against officers working for the Security Service, MI5. Others concern the alleged misuse of surveillance by local authorities.

The tribunal judges, who oversee the work of MI5 and other law enforcement agencies authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, confirmed yesterday that they were looking at why the number of complaints had more than doubled from 66 in 2007 to 136 in 2008.

But critics of the secret system for investigating the misuse of surveillance powers want to know why only three complaints investigated by the tribunal have ever been upheld.

Six of the most recent allegations, not included in the 136, have been brought by young Muslim men living in London who allege that they were harassed and blackmailed by MI5 to spy on Muslim communities.

Yesterday The Independent reported on two men of Somali origin living in Birmingham who have made similar complaints. All eight men allege they were given a choice of working for the Security Service or facing detention or harassment in the UK and overseas.

More: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/judges-examine-rise-in-complaints-against-mi5-1858999.html

Record rise in the number of complaints against MI5 and other bodies authorised to spy on the public

Record rise in the number of complaints against MI5 and other bodies authorised to spy on the public

Anarcho-Capitalist Categorical Imperatives

Via AnCaps: Law & Enforced Unnatural Order