MI5 faces fresh torture claims

A former civil servant may sue the home secretary over alleged MI5 complicity in torture.

The Guardian reported that Jamil Rahman could file a damages claim over alleged ill-treatment by intelligence officers while he was detained in Bangladesh.

The Briton was being held on suspicion of terrorism in the country

He says that two MI5 officers were involved in his ordeal, questioning him and then leaving the room while he was tortured, only to return afterwards and resume their questions.

Rahman is claiming that as home secretary, Jacqui Smith was complicit in assault, unlawful arrest and breaches of human rights legislation.

The Home Office said Rahman's legal team had written to the home secretary and the government would respond "in due course".