(Science Daily) A terrorism suspect on trial in Britain has made fresh accusations of complicity in torture against U.S. and British intelligence and security officials.
Rangzieb Ahmed, a British citizen, said he was questioned by British and U.S. officials during the year he spent detained in Pakistan, The Guardian reported Thursday. He said that during his captivity, Pakistani intelligence officers subjected him to sleep deprivation, severe beatings and removed three of his fingernails from his left hand.
Tayab Ali, a lawyer for Ahmed, said government officials had a legal responsibility to protect British citizens detained in Pakistan from torture.
" Mr Ahmed has injuries which would support the allegation of torture, including having his fingernails pulled out," the lawyer said. "We will be investigating whether there is any British government complicity in his detention and torture."
Ahmed is charged with three offenses under the 2000 Terrorism Act.
A spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office said Ahmed had seemed to be in good health and did not complain about treatment when he was seen by British operatives.
"Mr. Ahmed's welfare was always a priority," she said. "The British government doesn't condone the use of torture."