Private Security Firms are abusing Iraqi's

[shance]

Private security firms operating in Iraq are committing human rights abuses, a charity has claimed.


A report by War on Want says no prosecutions have been brought despite hundreds of complaints of abuse.

And the charity is calling on the government to introduce legislation to ban private security in war zones.

Lt Col Tim Spicer, whose Aegis security firm operates in Iraq, said they worked under "very strict rules" and could be prosecuted if they did anything wrong.

'Huge profits'

War on Want claims UK ministers are increasingly using private security firms with a total of 48,000 employees in Iraq - six to every British soldier.

John Hilary, the group's campaigns and policy director, said the Iraq war "has allowed British mercenaries to reap huge profits".

Regulation would add clarity to what people can and can't do

Lt Col Tim Spicer

"But the government has failed to enact laws to punish their human rights abuses, including firing on Iraqi civilians.

"How can Tony Blair hope to restore peace and security in Iraq while allowing mercenary armies to operate completely outside the law?

"We call on the government to introduce tough legislation as a matter of urgency to ban the use of mercenaries in these conflict situations."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6097372.stm

[C_U_L8R]

1. The people who hire these mercenaries

should be prosecuted for war crimes

[Lerkfish]

2. two reasons: plausible deniability and no oversight.

[shance]

3. How do we stop this abuse?

What can we do to stop this?

[shance]

4. kick

n/t