Killers’ life terms ‘breach their human rights’

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in a judgement in July 2013 that the whole-life tariffs given to three murderers in the United Kingdom breached their human rights.

The judges ruled by 16 to one there had to be a review of the sentence and the possibility of a release.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he profoundly disagreed with the court's ruling. UK Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said the ruling makes the case for curtailing the powers of the European Court of Human Rights.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Cameron seeks allies over curbing ECHR http://www.europeansources.info/record/cameron-seeks-allies-over-curbing-echr/

The Guardian, 09.07.13: Tory ministers condemn ECHR ruling on whole-life prison sentences http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jul/09/whole-life-sentences-david-cameron-human-rights

ECHR: Press Release, No.208, 2013: Whole life orders should include the possibility of review but this should not be understood as giving the prospect of imminent release http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/sites/fra-press/pages/search.aspx?i=003-4429521-5325447

Public Service Europe, 09.07.13: UK must protect human rights of all - even criminals http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3723/uk-must-protect-human-rights-of-all-even-criminals

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