Responding to the introduction of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill in Parliament today which could see MI5 agents and other Government bodies legally authorised to commit crimes including torture and murder, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager said:

“There is a grave danger that this Bill could end up providing informers and agents with a licence to kill.

“It is deeply alarming that the proposed law does not explicitly prohibit MI5 and other agencies from authorising crimes like torture and killing. It must be amended to do so. 

“In Northern Ireland, we have seen the consequences of undercover agents in paramilitary organisations operating with apparent impunity whilst committing grave human rights abuses, including murder. 

“Such criminal acts do not become any less serious when placed on a legal footing.

“Decades after the Northern Ireland conflict, victims for these and other crimes are still fighting for the truth, justice and accountability to which they are entitled.”