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More British troops accused of abuse in Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, April 23, IRNA -- British troops have been accused of using interrogation techniques on Iraqi civilian detainees in Maysan Province that breached human rights laws.

Six Iraqis are asking the High Court in London to order an independent public inquiry into allegations that soldiers may have killed up to 20 captives held after a gun battle near the town of Majar-al-Kabir in May 2004.

Medical evidence is being provided in support of the accusations that captives were tortured, murdered and their bodies mutilated.

Five of the six also allege they themselves were abused, including being thrown violently against a wall and denied water.

The case, which is being opposed by Defence Secretary, is the latest in a series of legal actions against British troops deployed in Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion.

Last year, the Ministry of Defence has agreed to pay out a record of nearly £3m in compensation to the family of Basra hotel worker Baha Mousa, who died after being beaten by British troops and to nine other men detained and interrogated at the same time.

The compensation came after former Defense Secretary Des Browne admitted the British troops had breached Article 2, the right to life, and Article 3, the prohibition of torture, in the European Convention on Human Rights.

In the latest case, which is expected to take 15 days, lawyers are seeking a judicial review of the Ministry of Defence’s decision not to order a public inquiry.

Rabinder Singh, counsel for the six, told the court Wednesday that the case raised “sensitive and serious issues” for the British Army. It was claimed that detainees were taken live to the scene of the battle before being tortured and killed.

An inquiry carried out by the Royal Military Police rejected the allegations of murder, torture and mutilation, but its inquiry is being criticised in court as flawed and inadequate.