Group wants changes in terrorism bill

LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Human Rights Watch urged the British House of Lords Tuesday to take a close look at the counterterrorism bill before them prior to voting.

On Monday, the Lords rejected a provision that would have allowed terrorist suspects to be held for 42 days without a formal charge.

"The Lords have delivered a significant victory for human rights and the rule of law." said Benjamin Ward, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "But the problems with this bill don't begin and end with 42 days."

The Counter-Terrorism Bill 2008 includes a broader definition of terrorism that could include acts aimed at persuading the government, the group said.

Among the problematic provisions the group cited was one allowing suspects to be questioned once they have been charged without guarantees of the right to avoid self-incrimination and protection against abusive police interrogation.

Human Rights Watch also objects to a provision that would require convicted terrorists to notify police of their whereabouts. This would be a lifetime requirement for those sentenced to more than five years and for 10 years for those with shorter sentences.