UK prosecutors investigate Iraq abuse claims

[News_Editor]

UK prosecutors investigate Iraq abuse claims

2010-11-10 21:30:48 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Three British soldiers are being investigated for alleged abuse of an Iraqi detainee, the BBC reported on Wednesday, and they could be charged with war crimes, judicial sources said.

The BBC said the High Court was asked to order a public inquiry into claims by civilians over alleged British military mistreatment in UK-controlled prisons of Iraq.

A Defense spokesman said later that "if these allegations do prove to be true then they could be prosecuted as war crimes under the ICC (International Criminal Court)."

"That is why we have set up the Iraq Historical Allegations Team to investigate allegations thoroughly. They remain allegations and if untrue, making such serious allegations falsely would be a heinous slur on members of the Army," the spokesman said.

The broadcaster said the allegations include sexual abuse, food, water and sleep deprivation, prolonged solitary confinement, mock executions and being denied clothes.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-10