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The government's anti-terrorism laws were dealt a blow by the High Court, when a senior judge (Mr. Justice Sullivan) said control orders made against six men contravene European human rights laws. The orders are imposed on people suspected of terrorism but where there is not enough evidence to go to court. It is essentially a form of house arrest. The judge said the restrictions were "the antithesis of liberty and equivalent to imprisonment". The home secretary had no power to make the orders and they must therefore all be quashed, he said. The government will appeal but Tony Blair is essentially "imprisoned" by this ruling - either he has to accept the judgement and release these "terror suspects" or in some way confront the human rights laws - neither will be an attractive alternative to him.

The Guardian; Friday 30/6/06

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