Menu
13/02/2006
British troops accused of abuse to be fully investigated
A man has been arrested by the Military police after abuse allegations made in the News of the World, which published pictures from a video it claimed was shot in southern Iraq in 2004.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said he was detained on Sunday night, and at least three soldiers are understood to have been identified by the Royal Military Police Investigators.
The army investigators believe they are close to identifying the remaining soldiers and they hope to make more arrests soon.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said the claims will "be investigated" and "the majority of UK troops do a great job for our country and for the wider world".
The tape shows what appear to be British soldiers head-butting, kicking and clubbing unarmed Iraqi teenagers, and an unidentified cameraman is laughing and taunting the victims.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari has called for a swift investigation into the allegations and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In a statement, the Adjutant General's Chief of Staff, Brigadier Martin Routledge, said: "The images in this video amount to very serious allegations. We can confirm they are now the subject of an urgent Royal Military Police investigation. They are disturbing images. We condemn all acts of abuse and brutality and always treat any allegations of wrongdoing by our personnel extremely seriously."
The News of the World said the video was taken by a British army corporal and provided by a "disgusted whistle-blower" after it circulated on a base in Europe.
Brigadier Routledge continued: "The most important thing is that we now establish the facts. No-one can or should say anything that prejudices the due process of law and you will appreciate that it is therefore not appropriate to comment any further while this investigation is going on."
(CD)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said he was detained on Sunday night, and at least three soldiers are understood to have been identified by the Royal Military Police Investigators.
The army investigators believe they are close to identifying the remaining soldiers and they hope to make more arrests soon.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said the claims will "be investigated" and "the majority of UK troops do a great job for our country and for the wider world".
The tape shows what appear to be British soldiers head-butting, kicking and clubbing unarmed Iraqi teenagers, and an unidentified cameraman is laughing and taunting the victims.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari has called for a swift investigation into the allegations and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In a statement, the Adjutant General's Chief of Staff, Brigadier Martin Routledge, said: "The images in this video amount to very serious allegations. We can confirm they are now the subject of an urgent Royal Military Police investigation. They are disturbing images. We condemn all acts of abuse and brutality and always treat any allegations of wrongdoing by our personnel extremely seriously."
The News of the World said the video was taken by a British army corporal and provided by a "disgusted whistle-blower" after it circulated on a base in Europe.
Brigadier Routledge continued: "The most important thing is that we now establish the facts. No-one can or should say anything that prejudices the due process of law and you will appreciate that it is therefore not appropriate to comment any further while this investigation is going on."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 May 2004
'Torture' pictures handed over to Royal Military Police
Pictures published in the Daily Mirror allegedly showing an Iraqi prisoner being abused by British soldiers have been handed over to Royal Military Police officers investigating the case.
'Torture' pictures handed over to Royal Military Police
Pictures published in the Daily Mirror allegedly showing an Iraqi prisoner being abused by British soldiers have been handed over to Royal Military Police officers investigating the case.
26 June 2003
Military Police killed after weapons searches sparked protests
The six military police killed on Tuesday in Iraq had been involved in house-to-house searches for illegally held weapons in the town where they were stationed, amid protests by the local Muslim communities about some of the measures employed by British forces.
Military Police killed after weapons searches sparked protests
The six military police killed on Tuesday in Iraq had been involved in house-to-house searches for illegally held weapons in the town where they were stationed, amid protests by the local Muslim communities about some of the measures employed by British forces.
17 October 2005
Royal Military Police chief found dead in Iraq
The senior British military police investigator has been found dead in his quarters at the British Base in Basra in Southern Iraq. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the body of Captain Ken Masters, 40, was discovered in his accommodation in Waterloo Lines, Basra, Iraq on Saturday 15 October 2005.
Royal Military Police chief found dead in Iraq
The senior British military police investigator has been found dead in his quarters at the British Base in Basra in Southern Iraq. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the body of Captain Ken Masters, 40, was discovered in his accommodation in Waterloo Lines, Basra, Iraq on Saturday 15 October 2005.
25 June 2003
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
29 May 2007
Army investigating 'sex assault' claims
The Royal Military Police are investigating claims that a rape attempt was made on a young soldier at the Catterick army base in North Yorkshire. According to a report in 'The Sun', the alleged rape attempt was filmed on a mobile phone.
Army investigating 'sex assault' claims
The Royal Military Police are investigating claims that a rape attempt was made on a young soldier at the Catterick army base in North Yorkshire. According to a report in 'The Sun', the alleged rape attempt was filmed on a mobile phone.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
