Story perspectives

Appeal Court Declares Asylum Seeker Detention Unlawful

12/16/2025

42 4

Summary

Story summary

An appeal court upheld a ruling that dozens of asylum seekers were unlawfully detained on Diego Garcia, a UK-US military base.
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) commissioner argued the detention was lawful, but the appeal court rejected the challenge.
The detainees, including 16 children, endured three years in rat-infested tents.
The ruling could cost millions in damages, as detention costs taxpayers £108,000 daily.
Solicitors representing the Tamils welcomed the decision.

1 of 1

Story summary

An appeal court upheld a ruling that dozens of asylum seekers were unlawfully detained on Diego Garcia, a UK-US military base.
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) commissioner argued the detention was lawful, but the appeal court rejected the challenge.
The detainees, including 16 children, endured three years in rat-infested tents.
The ruling could cost millions in damages, as detention costs taxpayers £108,000 daily.
Solicitors representing the Tamils welcomed the decision.