British troops face new charges as bodies of Iraqi civilians are exhumed

[NNN0LHI]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=611496

By Kim Sengupta in Basra
16 February 2005

Charges against British troops are believed to be imminent following fresh allegations of crimes committed in Iraq, including cases relating to the deaths of civilians.

Army investigators have exhumed the bodies of civilians who were allegedly shot dead by soldiers in the British-controlled region of southern Iraq for investigators to perform forensic tests. Their reports are in the final legal stages with the Army Prosecuting Authority.

The Independent has uncovered evidence relating to the deaths of six Iraqi civilians whose families claim they were killed by British troops.

Two of the cases are being considered by the Army Prosecuting Authority and are expected to result in charges. It is not known whether British troops will face any charges in relation to the other cases but the Government is believed to be considering claims for compensation from the families.

more

[UL_Approved]

1. The case may not get won, but consideration chips away at war legitimacy

As these cases unfold, the validation of "freeing Iraq" quickly goes up in smoke.

These cases may not be taken seriously in court, but they will be taken seriously by people that watch news once enough of a pattern emerges.

That is the power of a free press.

[saigon68]

2. The good old days-- Troops Kill the sub-humans

[Barrett808]

3. British troops face new charges as bodies of Iraqi civilians are exhumed

British troops face new charges as bodies of Iraqi civilians are exhumed
By Kim Sengupta in Basra
16 February 2005

Charges against British troops are believed to be imminent following fresh allegations of crimes committed in Iraq, including cases relating to the deaths of civilians.

Army investigators have exhumed the bodies of civilians who were allegedly shot dead by soldiers in the British-controlled region of southern Iraq for investigators to perform forensic tests. Their reports are in the final legal stages with the Army Prosecuting Authority.

The Independent has uncovered evidence relating to the deaths of six Iraqi civilians whose families claim they were killed by British troops.

Two of the cases are being considered by the Army Prosecuting Authority and are expected to result in charges. It is not known whether British troops will face any charges in relation to the other cases but the Government is believed to be considering claims for compensation from the families.

The two cases before the Army Prosecuting Authority are those of Ghanim Gatteh al- Roaimi, allegedly killed outside his home after a neighbour's wedding in January 2004 (where celebratory shots were fired in the air), and Waleed Fa'ai Muzban, who was allegedly shot dead at an army checkpoint in August 2003.

Mr al-Roami's father, Kattan Hajim, told The Independent: "My son was not doing anything bad. He was not carrying a gun and he was not threatening anyone. I do not know why he was shot."

While the allegations at the centre of the new cases remain unproved, the families of the victims insist the deaths were unprovoked.

(more)

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=611535

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