MI5 Admits Misleading High Court in Case of Suspected Security Service Informant
The British intelligence agency MI5 has admitted to misleading the High Court in an attempt to prevent the BBC from identifying a suspected Security Service informant. The case involved a neo-Nazi state agent, referred to as "X," who allegedly abused two women and served as a covert human intelligence source.
In 2022, the government sought to stop the BBC from airing a program that would name "X." A High Court judge issued an order preventing the corporation from disclosing information that could identify him. However, the judge allowed the BBC to air the program and discuss the key issues without identifying "X," referring to him only as "X."
During a hearing on Wednesday, it was revealed that part of the written evidence provided by MI5 was false, and the court was misled. The misleading information was contained in a witness statement provided by a witness known only as "A."
Justice Chamberlain stated that the evidence was not just misleading, but false. He added that an investigation is underway to determine whether the false information was provided deliberately.
The BBC program alleged that "X" was a misogynistic neo-Nazi who attacked his girlfriend with a machete. He was also accused of exploiting his status to wage a campaign of terror against his girlfriend, including threatening to kill her. Police reportedly uncovered extremist material in "X's" home, but he later left the country and continued intelligence work.
Following the hearing, MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum issued a statement acknowledging the agency's error and offering an unreserved apology to the court. He also announced that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper would commission an external review to establish the facts and improve processes for the future.
Home Secretary Cooper stated that providing incorrect information to the court was a serious matter. She emphasized the importance of robust safeguarding policies and taking allegations of domestic abuse seriously.
15 Comments
Loubianka
Let's not let this incident erode public trust in our security services. They are working hard to keep us safe and deserve our respect.
Katchuka
We should be thankful that we live in a country where freedom of speech and freedom of the press are protected. This allows for important stories like this to come to light.
Noir Black
It's important to remember that "X" is innocent until proven guilty. We shouldn't pre-judge him based on these allegations.
KittyKat
I'm confident that the Home Secretary will take appropriate action if MI5 is found to have acted inappropriately.
Loubianka
I trust that the external review will be thorough and impartial and will get to the bottom of what happened.
ZmeeLove
national security. We need to be careful not to let our emotions cloud our judgment.
Habibi
This incident shows that even our intelligence agencies are not perfect and can make mistakes. But it's important to learn from these mistakes and improve our systems.
Africa
I believe that MI5 is a vital part of keeping our country safe and we should support them in their efforts.
Mariposa
Unbelievable that a government agency can get away with misleading the court like this. What else are they hiding from us?
Muchacha
I'm glad that the BBC was still able to report on the story without identifying "X." It's important to raise awareness of these issues.
Comandante
We need to trust that MI5 is acting in the best interests of the country, even if their methods are sometimes controversial.
Bella Ciao
What about the woman who was abused? Will she ever see justice? This is a clear example of how the powerful get away with anything.
Coccinella
So MI5 values protecting its informants more than protecting victims of abuse? This is utterly unacceptable.
Bella Ciao
I understand why MI5 felt they needed to mislead the court. It's a complex situation with national security implications.
Rotfront
The fact that "X" is still working for the intelligence services is a joke. He should be fired immediately and face criminal charges.