T-word used as front to trample civil rights’

OUTGOING UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson has accused governments of hiding behind the war on terrorism to trample on civil liberties and crush troublesome opponents.

"Suddenly the "T-word" is used all the time," Mrs Robinson said, referring to terrorism. "And that's the problem.

"So many politicians are using the T-word and it's very blunt and does erode standards of civil rights and civil liberties. Everything is justified by that T-word," the 58-year-old former Irish president said.