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70-year gag on Kelly death evidence
24.01.10
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Evidence relating to the death of Government weapons inspector David Kelly is to be kept secret for 70 years, it has been reported.
A highly unusual ruling by Lord Hutton, who chaired the inquiry into Dr Kelly's death, means medical records including the post-mortem report will remain classified until after all those with a direct interest in the case are dead, the Mail on Sunday reported.
And a 30-year secrecy order has been placed on written records provided to Lord Hutton's inquiry which were not produced in evidence.
The Ministry of Justice said decisions on the evidence were a matter for Lord Hutton. But Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker, who has conducted his own investigations into Dr Kelly's death, described the order as "astonishing".
Dr Kelly's body was found in woods close to his Oxfordshire home in 2003, shortly after it was revealed that he was the source of a BBC report casting doubt on the Government's claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction capable of being fired within 45 minutes.
An inquest was suspended by then Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer, who ruled that Lord Hutton's inquiry could take its place. But in the event, the inquiry focused more on the question of how the BBC report came to be broadcast than on the medical explanation for Dr Kelly's death.
Lord Hutton's report in 2004 concluded that Dr Kelly killed himself by cutting an artery in his wrist. But the finding has been challenged by doctors who claim that the weapons inspector's stated injuries were not serious enough.
One of the doctors seeking a full inquest, former assistant coroner Michael Powers, told the Mail on Sunday he had seen a letter from the legal team of Oxfordshire County Council explaining the unusual restrictions placed by Lord Hutton on material relating to his inquiry.
The letter states: "Lord Hutton made a request for the records provided to the inquiry, not produced in evidence, to be closed for 30 years, and that medical (including post-mortem) reports and photographs be closed for 70 years."
Dr Powers asked: "Supposedly all evidence relevant to the cause of death has been heard in public at the time of Lord Hutton's inquiry. If these secret reports support the suicide finding, what could they contain that could be so sensitive?"
Reader views (24)
It should be pretty obvious that we are dealing with international criminals. From one vantage point in the US, England is Completely buried with laws that are only intended to enslave the population and bring its standard of living to be equal with some third world country.
Naturally, it's the same here in the US, but it really looks worse in England.
- James, Carrollton, Texas USA
The usual excuse is that it is not in the public interest to know. Well I am part of the public and I want to know. The thing is even in 70 years time there will still be people looking for the truth. All that has happened is that they have created another "Jack the Ripper"
- Mark5, Bristol, UK
Sounds like a Len Deighton novel, beware the black hawk helicopters and guys in ski masks. The whole war thing etc has turned into a nightmare for this country.
- Ronnie, Ellesmere Port Cheshire
Outrageous - but I guess expected.
Its only an illusion that we live if a free democracy where we have rights. If there was no problems with this evidence they wouldn't need to hide it, would they?
trust no one.
- Daz, UK
To clarify the situation, the post mortem report has been sealed for 30 years and the photographs will not be published for 70 years.
This move is completely incompatible with living in a so-called free democracy, and if there was any doubt before that the government has something to hide about the death of Dr Kelly there is none now.
- Kate, London
Now the only question is who offed him, ne? Honestly, nothing that that government can do would surprise me. Pick up a copy of 1984 and read it, they're making it a reality.
- Wolve, Orlando, Fl
If this was just a suicide, why the secrecy?
- Hank, Toronto, Canada
70 years, or until an orpan lad pulls a sword from a stone, whichever comes first.
- Boyngboyng, Madison US
Stonewalling and Smoke screening is alive and well in the UK. What a load of tripe! ANOTHER Conspiracy! How long will the General Public tolerate these Mumbo-Jumbo behind the scenes shenanigans??
- Retiredscotsman, Illinois, USA
Can't help agreeing with Dr.Powers. Makes Dr.Kelly's death seem more suspicious than ever.
- Daisy45, Luton
These records are to be kept sealed until those involved are dead?
Since the definition of suicide is the killing of oneself, it would seem that "those involved" are already dead - unless Lord Hutton knows otherwise.
- Adrian, crofton, canada
wow, this reeks.
- Squiz, Islington
and bLiar going to testify at the chilcot hearing in a few days? coincidence? I think not.
- Cyberdoyle, lancs UK
This terrible, how can this be kept secret for so long. This is just going to full conspir theories for years.
- Peter, Crystal Palace
Obviously, the government has a great deal to hide. Why else would they seal the files?
- Carolyn, San Francisco, USA
"If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear."
At least that's what we're always told about the National ID database.
- Clanghead, Southampton, UK
Having closely followed the Kelly investigation, the recent suit by a group of prominent British medical experts, the accounts of USAF friend of Dr. Kelly, Pederson, this gag order seems tantamount to an admission of at least coverup, if not murder.
- Jeffrey Steinberg, Leesburg, Virginia, USA
Isn't this a big deal? It sounds like something from Orwell, for God's sake!
- Xezlec, Austin, TX, USA
Hail Britannia! The exemplar of liberal democracies everywhere.
- Thingumbob, Batimore, USA
Lets hope that when we get a fresh goverment they overturn this ruling and pursue whoever is behind Dr Kelly's "suicide"
- John W2, London UK
This government has something to hide!!
- Leon, London
another cover up by the squeaky clean goverment
- Basil, bussiere poitevine 87320 france
A question, from someone utterly unfamiliar with the British legal system: Is there any way to appeal this decision, and if so, are there substantial grounds of fact or law for overturning it?
Thanks all.
- Lex Alexander, Greensboro, NC USA
Why? What are they hiding?
- Roger, winchester, england
