So it would seem(most have thought since about a few days after that they were fake but were awaiting the investigation to be sure) however what it has done has its then brought to light whats been happening elsewhere.
Theres been many investigations into allegations of brutality and murder. Some of which seem to be genuine claims. This has of course been known a long time, but not admitted to. I think Hoon has once again "claimed" he knew nothing about it.
Of course theres no pictures that helps word be spread like whats happened the last week or two. When these allegations are far far worse than the 'fake' claims and whats went on with American troops.
You just wonder what else has happened thats been covered up.
― Newshound, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 01:57 (twenty-one years ago)
UK troops 'shot harmless Iraqis'
The Amnesty report will add to speculation about troops
UK troops have killed Iraqi civilians including an eight-year-old girl when they were under no apparent threat, Amnesty International has claimed.
In a report, the human rights organisation claimed in "many" cases the deaths of civilians by the British military had not been investigated.
Inquiries that have taken place have been "secretive" and conducted by the Royal Military Police.
Amnesty is urging civilian-led probes into all alleged killings by troops.
The report was put together in wake of visits to British-administered Southern Iraq in February and March.
The document also highlights killing of former members of Saddam Hussein's regime by vigilantes.
And it suggests that members of Iraq's Christian minority had also been targeted.
Living in fear?
Amnesty's UK director, Kate Allen, said: "We are told in the UK that southern Iraq is comparatively safe and secure. Yet Iraqis on the ground have painted a very different picture.
"People live in fear of armed groups who can strike with seeming impunity.
"Killings by UK forces, in situations where they should not be using lethal force, are examined in secrecy and behind closed doors.
"Instead of the army deciding whether to investigate itself when civilians are killed, there must be a full, impartial and civilian-led investigation into all allegations of killings by UK troops."
The report highlights the case of eight-year-old Hanan Saleh Matrud who was apparently shot by a member of B Company of the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment last August.
'Shooting in the air'
An eye-witness told researchers sent by Amnesty that the girl was killed when a soldier aimed and shot from a distance of around 60 metres, and not accidentally hit by a warning shot as claimed by the Army.
Another case highlighted in the report was that of fatal shooting of Ghanem Kadhem Kati.
The 22-year-old was shot outside his front door as he was celebrating a family wedding .
Obviously, we take our obligations under the Geneva Conventions and international law very seriously
MoD spokesman
The military police are understood to be investigating the case amid reports British troops, responding to the sound of bullets being fired, shot at him despite being told by a neighbour the gunfire was part of the wedding celebrations.
The report also raises issues relating to the compensation for families of people who have been killed by UK troops.
Families were often offered no information on how to lodge a compensation claim, Amnesty suggests.
And concerns are raised about the failure to stop vigilante killings by armed groups. Attacks on alcohol traders had reportedly prompted 150 Christian families to flee Basra.
The report does welcome attempts by the British authorities to strengthen the Iraqi police force.
Security
Ms Allen said: "Amnesty International calls on all armed groups and individuals in Iraq to respect the right to life and cease these killings immediately. The rule of law must prevail.
"If there is to be true security in Iraq, it is essential that justice is done and is seen to be done."
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the report by Amnesty until it had been considered in detail.
A spokesman said: "Obviously, we take our obligations under the Geneva Conventions and international law very seriously.
"There are a number of investigations into allegations of mistreatment under way, but until we see the report we cannot really comment in detail."
― Newshound, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 02:01 (twenty-one years ago)
President Bush was shown more than a dozen photographs and still images from video of US military guards apparently abusing Iraqis. White House spokesman Scott McClellan declined to describe the content of the images, but said Mr Bush was disgusted by them.
Pentagon officials say they are still deciding whether the photographs seen by Mr Bush and others not yet published in the media should be released publicly.
With new pictures surfacing almost every day - the latest showing soldiers with dogs surrounding a naked prisoner - efforts to draw a line under the scandal appear to have failed.
Troops praised
Mr Bush pledged that any US soldiers who abused prisoners would be brought to justice.
"The conduct that has come to light is an insult to the Iraqi people and is an affront to the most basic standards of morality and decency," he said.
The president also praised the more than 200,000 US military personnel who had served in Iraq since the conflict began last year.
"I know how painful it is to see a small number dishonour the honourable cause in which so many are sacrificing," he said.
The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says Mr Bush was trying to reassure US troops, and at the same time end suggestions that Mr Rumsfeld should resign.
Calls for him to leave have been made by opposition politicians and various newspapers, including the Army Times which published an editorial in effect calling on Mr Rumsfeld to be sacked.
The private newspaper, widely circulated at military bases, says Mr Rumsfeld and his top general, Richard Myers, should be held accountable.
"On the battlefield, Myers' and Rumsfeld's errors would be called a lack of situational awareness - a failure that amounts to professional negligence," the newspaper says.
― Newshound, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 02:16 (twenty-one years ago)