UK/Iraq - Defence Ministry investigation

Inquiry into claims British soldiers abused Iraqi civilians

Article published on the 2009-11-14 Latest update 2009-11-16 17:14 TU

British soldiers mark their return from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as they process through the streets of Blackpool, northern England
(Photo: Reuters)

An investigation has been launched into allegations that British soldiers tortured Iraqi civilians, Britain's Ministry of Defence has announced. The move came after a British newspaper said 33 cases of abuse had been reported, including claims of rape, torture and physical assault.

The Independent newspaper said the civilians claimed British soldiers in Iraq copied sexual and physical abuse from photographs taken at the US-run Abu Ghraib jail in Baghdad, which emerged in 2004.

One claimant alleges he was raped by two British soldiers, while others say they were striped naked, abused and photographed between 2003 and 2007, the Independent reported. Female British soldiers are alleged to have taken part.

A legal letter was served on the Ministry last week by a lawyer representing the Iraqis, the report said. Britain's armed forces minister Bill Rammell said "formal investigations" must be carried out "without judgments being made prematurely".

"Over 120,000 British troops have served in Iraq and the vast, vast majority have conducted themselves to the highest standards of behaviour, displaying integrity and selfless commitment," Rammell said.