The US government has blocked a British court hearing on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), citing security concerns
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This week, the BIOT Supreme Court, along with the BBC, scheduled a hearing to investigate claims of migrants' unlawful detention on Diego Garcia. This island hosts a secretive UK-US military base with tight access rules. Recently, the US denied access to lawyers and BBC personnel, refusing logistical support until their issues were resolved.
On Thursday night, just before flights were set to leave the UK, the BIOT court canceled the hearing, informing the BBC. Now, a new hearing in the UK will decide the next steps.
In 1965, Britain took control of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, from Mauritius, displacing over 1,000 residents for the military base. Agreements from 1966 allowed the US to use the territory for 50 years, extended in 2016 until 2036. BIOT, governed from London, is separate constitutionally from the UK.
Mauritius, independent since 1968, claims ownership of the islands, supported by a UN court ruling against Britain's administration as "unlawful." Diego Garcia, largely controlled by the US, houses military personnel, facilities, and services.
Security reasons allow the US military commander to restrict access to certain areas, notably during investigations like the recent site visit involving the migrant camp and other parts of the island. Access to the islands is limited to those affiliated with military installations or the Territory Administration, as stated on BIOT's official website.
Diego Garcia serves as a vital hub for US military operations, where B-52 bombers train and missions to Afghanistan and Iraq originate. The personnel reside in tents guarded by G4S. Recently, some migrants faced challenges, receiving medical care in Rwanda while awaiting resettlement in a safe third country. The UK Foreign Office assures that the island isn't suitable for long-term migrant living but prioritizes their safety, diligently processing their protection claims.
