CAIRO, February 23, 2006 (IslamOnline.net) – Britain's draconian anti-terror legislations have led to serious abuses of human rights, an international human rights watchdog confirmed on Thursday, February 23.

"Since 11 September 2001, the UK authorities have passed a series of new laws, even though the UK already had some of the toughest anti-terrorism laws in Europe," Amnesty International said in a new report.

"These laws contain sweeping provisions that contravene human rights law, and their implementation has led to serious abuses of human rights."

Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled new sweeping anti-terror measures following the July 7 London terrorist attacks, which left 56 people killed.

The measures include deportation and exclusion of foreigners who are accused of "condoning and inciting violence."

They also incorporate closing worship places used for "fomenting terrorism" and stripping people of their British nationality if proved acting against British interests.

Earlier this month, British parliament backed an amendment to the anti-terror bill, making "glorification of terrorism" a crime.

"There is now a dangerous imbalance between draconian actions the UK is taking in the name of security and its obligation to protect human rights," said Amnesty's Secretary General Irene Khan.

"These measures tarnish the UK's image and its ability to promote human rights abroad."

The rights watchdog also accused British authorities of persecuting people labeled suspected international terrorists.

"People suspected of involvement in terrorism… have been held for years in harsh conditions on the basis of secret accusations that they are not allowed to know and therefore cannot refute.

"These people are effectively being persecuted, with devastating consequences for the men and their families."

Amnesty also blasted the deportation of "terror suspects" to countries known for torture.

"This is a shocking abrogation of responsibility and a massive blow to the international prohibition against torture and ill-treatment. The UK is setting an extremely dangerous precedent," Khan said.

Britain has signed memos of understanding with Jordan, Libya and Lebanon to deport terror suspects to these countries.

The British government is also seeking similar agreements with Algeria and Egypt.

"In seeking special assurances, the UK is acknowledging that deportees are at risk of torture, but ignoring that these guarantees are unenforceable and not worth the paper they are written on," Khan said.

"Torture and ill-treatment is the ultimate corruption of humanity -- the UK must not do anything to weaken the absolute ban on torture under international law."