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Police to video terror suspects
By JASON LEWIS - More by this author »

Last updated at 00:40am on 23rd September 2007

Police interviews with terrorism suspects are to be videotaped to prevent allegations of abuse in custody.


The recording could also be played during trials to allow a jury to see the suspects' conduct, gestures, facial expressions and demeanour.

Video recording of terrorism interviews currently takes place in Northern Ireland but, although not illegal, is not routinely used in the rest of the UK.

However, its introduction is being viewed as essential, to protect police officers from false allegations of abuse or ill-treatment of suspects.

The decision follows criticism surrounding the use of so-called 'safety interviews', which allow the interrogation of suspects without a lawyer being present. Anti-terror laws permit police to delay a suspect's access to a solicitor for up to 48 hours on the grounds that it could lead to a terror attack or alert other suspects still at large.

Human rights activists claim this period is when the risk of intimidation and physical ill-treatment is greatest.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will give the go-ahead for the plan within the next few weeks.

A Home Office official said: 'We are minded to make an order which would make the video recording of interviews with suspects compulsory.'