ECtHR OKs curtailing rights if imminent attack suspected

(ANSA) - Strasbourg, October 20 - The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled Tuesday that member States can lawfully curtail the rights of suspects they believe are organizing an imminent terrorist attack.
    The court acquitted Britain in a suit brought by three Pakistani nationals who were detained for 13 days and whose homes were searched for 10-12 days in 2009 on suspicion of terrorism.
    The plaintiffs argued authorities violated their right to privacy and their right to due process in determining the legitimacy of their detention. In its ruling, the ECtHR said States can carry out some preliminary hearings behind closed doors, without this being considered a violation of suspects' rights, and also that search warrants can be generic in cases where an imminent attack is suspected.