Justice is a torture survivor's right. It is also an essential part of their healing process and sends a clear signal to perpetrators that torture will not be tolerated, wherever it takes place. Yet, torture survivors in the UK are currently unable to seek justice in English courts for the torture they endured overseas.
If enacted, the Torture (Damages) Bill would allow survivors, such as Les Walker, to make a claim for compensation in the courts of England and Wales, where they are unable to do so in the country in which they were tortured.
Torture survivors tell REDRESS why the Torture (Damages) Bill is so important to obtaining justice.
Watch our video
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Why Torture Survivors Support This Bill
(click on the pictures below to read their statements)
"One thing that really hurt was being blindfolded and just catching sight of ‘Made in England’ on the handcuffs. Boy did that hurt."
Les Walker (British, tortured in Saudi Arabia) |
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"Oh my god you can’t believe it. For two hours one guard is slapping, one is kicking, one is punching me. I fall down twice but I am picked up."
Jafaar Al Hasabi (Bahraini, tortured in Bahrain) |
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"Hiding behind the barrier of State Immunity, the states have never had to dispute the substantive evidence of alleged heinous crimes."
Keith Carmichael (British, tortured in Saudi Arabia) |
TAKE ACTION!
The Second Reading in the House of Lords has been secured for the 16th of May.
Bring to the attention of the Government the importance of passing this Bill and of enforcing the absolute prohibition of torture.
CLICK HERE TO WRITE TO YOUR MP
Request a campaign briefing pack campaigns@redress.org
or download it here
If you have experience dealing with survivors of torture or, of the legal issues relating to accountability for torture and state immunity and would like to submit evidence, contact jo@redress.org
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Mission
