UK court says terror trial can be partly secret

Britain's appeals court has ruled that a criminal trial could be held largely in secret - a decision some say sets a dangerous precedent.

Three judges said on Thursday (12/06/2014) that the case of two terrorism suspects was "exceptional," and that the core of the case should be heard without the public or press present in court.

The judges expressed "grave concern as to the cumulative effects" of both a secret trial and anonymous defendants. They ordered that the names of the defendants be released.

Prosecutors sought the secret trial on national security grounds, but that move was challenged by media organizations.

Prosecutors said they might have to abandon the trial if it was not held behind closed doors, and the judges agreed that there was a risk that "the administration of justice would be frustrated if the trial were to be held in open court."

The judges said the "core" of part of the trial should be private but some sections would be held in public, including the jury swearing-in and the reading of the charges. - Sapa-AP