London: A British judge says ex-detainees suing the government over its alleged complicity in their mistreatment overseas don't need to shelve their cases because a new inquiry will investigate the issue.
Judge Stephen Silber on Wednesday dismissed a government request to delay the lawsuits.
A government-commissioned inquiry will investigate how much Britain knew about claims detainees were badly treated or tortured.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the inquiry can't begin until about 12 lawsuits are settled.
Britain's government hoped the men would agree to settle out of court, or drop their cases, to speed up the process.
Officials say the court cases could last five years, cost millions of pounds and are distracting staff from anti-terrorism work.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 11:42