To ensure reliability of the evidence, we agreed that it was reliable and feasible to include randomised-controlled trials only for this review.
The experts at the appeal court were scathing yesterday in their criticism of the reliability of that evidence.
The judge said that while he had strong doubts about the reliability of the evidence, he could not properly evaluate it without testimony from Mr. bin al-Shibh.
He added that it was important that the court acknowledges these fact, which cast doubts on the fairness of the trial and the reliability of the evidence.
The C.I.A., according to that time line, changed its assessment of the reliability of that evidence three times in four months -- enough to make clear that there was reason to doubt the quality of the evidence.
Serious doubts emerged about the reliability of the evidence against Symeou and he was ultimately acquitted of manslaughter, but not before spending 10 months in appalling prison conditions away from his friends and family.
The reliability of the evidence of one alleged witness in particular had to be very carefully considered in light of recent events in the trial of R - v - Contostavlos and Coombs.
"The question in each case is whether there are sufficient counterbalancing factors in place, including measures that permit a fair and proper assessment of the reliability of that evidence to take place," the court said.
A legal source said he would be "extremely surprised" if any new prosecution was ever mounted, because of the time since the attack, the reliability of the evidence and the difficulties in apprehending any new suspects.
In 1991 the appeal court quashed convictions against Silcott, Engin Raghip and Mark Braithwaite after new tests raised concerns about the reliability of the evidence and claims it was fabricated.
