High Court hears of Iraqi girl shot dead by British
Paul Cheston, Evening Standard, Jan 29 2013Shocking allegations of killings, torture and abuse of Iraqi civilians by British troops and interrogators were revealed in the High Court today. Lawyers for nearly 200 Iraqis are fighting for a judge-led inquiry into what they describe as five years of systematic abuse. The allegations involve killings and torture at British-controlled detention centres between Mar 2003 and Dec 2008. The court heard of an eight-year-old girl shot dead as she played in a street with her friends in daylight. A man was also shot dead as he queued for petrol, a teacher was hooded and abused in front of his son and his subsequent death was officially described as “natural causes” and there were a number of drownings. Michael Fordham QC, representing the Iraqis, told the court:We are saying enough is enough and there must be a public inquiry in relation to the credible and prima facie cases of human rights violations perpetrated by the British military in Iraq.The case comes one year after the damning report by a judge after a public inquiry into the death of Iraqi civilian Baha Mousa at the hands of British forces. The Ministry of Defence has made 200 settlements with alleged victims, costing £15m. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced plans to investigate claims through the Iraq Historic Allegations Team. The hearing is expected to last for three days with judgment then reserved. The case continues.
Paul Cheston, Evening Standard, Jan 29 2013Shocking allegations of killings, torture and abuse of Iraqi civilians by British troops and interrogators were revealed in the High Court today. Lawyers for nearly 200 Iraqis are fighting for a judge-led inquiry into what they describe as five years of systematic abuse. The allegations involve killings and torture at British-controlled detention centres between Mar 2003 and Dec 2008. The court heard of an eight-year-old girl shot dead as she played in a street with her friends in daylight. A man was also shot dead as he queued for petrol, a teacher was hooded and abused in front of his son and his subsequent death was officially described as “natural causes” and there were a number of drownings. Michael Fordham QC, representing the Iraqis, told the court:We are saying enough is enough and there must be a public inquiry in relation to the credible and prima facie cases of human rights violations perpetrated by the British military in Iraq.The case comes one year after the damning report by a judge after a public inquiry into the death of Iraqi civilian Baha Mousa at the hands of British forces. The Ministry of Defence has made 200 settlements with alleged victims, costing £15m. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced plans to investigate claims through the Iraq Historic Allegations Team. The hearing is expected to last for three days with judgment then reserved. The case continues.
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