The Belmarsh Controversy refers to the imprisonment of terror suspects without trial at Belmarsh prison in the United Kingdom. Belmarsh has been called "a Guantanamo in our own back yard".

Prisoners are held in their cells for 22 hours a day and are unable to see intelligence evidence gathered against them. It has been confirmed that women and children related to the suspects are also being held there. In October 2004, a team of psychiatrists claimed that eight detainees held at Belmarsh were "suffering deteriorating mental health". There are also reports of suicide attempts, self harm and Post traumatic stress disorder in suspects.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett said the situation was not ideal but nonetheless was 'necessary'.

The Law Lords ruled that the detention of suspects without trial was a clear breach of human rights. They concluded that the British government must charge the suspects or release them. As of 2005 the British government has not complied.

Controversies