Calls for new 'Torture' claims to be investigated

The UK government is being urged to investigate new allegations of torture in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.

It follows claims the RUC and British army used waterboarding when interrogating suspects during the Troubles.

The torture technique creates the sensation of drowning.

Channel 4 news broadcast a report last night after speaking to a number of alleged victims.

It's also claimed the British Prime Minister was made aware of the reported actions.

A spokesman for the UK government said they consistently and unreservedly condemn the practice.

Amnesty International's Patrick Corrigan said “The allegations against the UK are extremely grave: that they tortured their own citizens, and that this was known about and covered up at the highest levels of government.

"This matter could not be more serious and merits a full, independent investigation.

“Over four decades after torture in Northern Ireland was first exposed by Amnesty International and others, the UK authorities have still never conducted a proper investigation into the abuse.

"No-one, not the people who carried out the abuse, nor those who authorised it, has ever been held accountable before the law.

“These latest revelations add to what has already been revealed from UK government archives about the apparent authorisation of torture at Cabinet level in the Hooded Men case in 1971.

“The UK, as a signatory of the UN Convention against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights, must now establish an independent, effective investigation into the alleged actions of its agents and its decision-makers in these cases and bring to justice those responsible for torture, at all levels.”