Anti-terror bill raises concerns

Strasbourg, France: A report issued by Europe's top human rights organisation has raised concerns over attempts by the British government to detain terror suspects in police custody for up to 42 days without charge.

The report raises "serious doubts" as to whether the counterterrorism bill, which will be up for a final vote in Britain's parliament later this month, is compatible with European human rights rules.

It adds that the detention of suspects for that long without charge and with limited judicial review could lead to violations of rights to a fair trial, liberty and security.

The report, drafted by European lawmakers at the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, was issued on Wednesday.