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London Cops Waterboarded Drug Suspects: Report

Officers also accused of fabricating evidence, theft

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 10, 2009 7:41 AM CDT
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(Newser) – London police subjected accused pot dealers to waterboarding, charges a major inquiry into corruption and police brutality in the British capital. The investigation also claims that officers fabricated evidence and stole property from suspects in a drug case. Six officers are facing criminal proceedings, reports the Times of London, but none have been arrested.

Debates about police powers have raged since the death of a bystander during last April's G20 protests, and the waterboarding allegations have forced Scotland Yard to appoint a new commander at the station in question. The brutality took place after raids on four men and a woman for importing pot. Their trial has been suspended, since revelation of the torture claims in court may prejudice proceedings against the officers.

An injured man is carried by police officers during a protest on the street outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Monday, May 11, 2009.
An injured man is carried by police officers during a protest on the street outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Monday, May 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
Police officers guard Downing Street in London, Friday, April 10, 2009.
Police officers guard Downing Street in London, Friday, April 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Protestors demonstrate the use of waterboarding on a volunteer in front of the Justice Department in Washington in this Nov. 5, 2007, file photo.
Protestors demonstrate the use of waterboarding on a volunteer in front of the Justice Department in Washington in this Nov. 5, 2007, file photo.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Protesters to the war in Iraq perform a demonstration of waterboarding torture techniques in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 19, 2008.
Protesters to the war in Iraq perform a demonstration of waterboarding torture techniques in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michael Graae)
Demonstrators break a police line as they protest in Parliament Square outside the Palace of Westminster in London, Monday, May 18, 2009.
Demonstrators break a police line as they protest in Parliament Square outside the Palace of Westminster in London, Monday, May 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Observer
Jun 10, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
Let's see you go through a waterboarding session Notnuts - you would soon be called No Nuts in PA. Many cops are stupid thugs.
Observer
Jun 10, 2009 12:47 PM CDT
Big surprise - Cops are corrupt and brutal all over the world.
ClingingToHope
Jun 10, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
"Waterboarding" causes no lasting ill effects. It is not "torture" of the level of breaking bones or pulling out fingernails. Liberals need to get a grip on reality.

The police respond to torture allegations
Times (UK)

Allegations of corruption date back years
Daily Mail (UK)

 
torture • War on Drugs • London • United Kingdom • Scotland Yard • waterboarding • police brutality

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