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19/01/2005
British Army chief condemns abuse of detainees
The Head of the British Army has issued a statement condemning any abuse of Iraqi prisoners.
General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff, made his comments after photographs of UK soldiers allegedly abusing Iraqis were released during the ongoing court martial of three British soldiers.
The General said that he could not comment on the photographs while the court martial was continuing, but he said: "We condemn utterly all acts of abuse. Where there is evidence of abuse, this is immediately investigated."
Prime Minister Tony Blair told the House of Commons today that he was disgusted by the by the photographs which he found "shocking and appalling". He said that the allegations would be fully investigated by the Army.
Three Royal Regiment of Fusiliers soldiers are facing nine charges at the court martial, which is taking place in Osnabruck, Germany.
Lance Corporal Darren Larkin, 30, from Oldham, Greater Manchester has denied one charge, but has admitted to assaulting a man in May 2003.
Lance Corporal Mark Cooley, 25, from Newcastle upon Tyne and Corporal Daniel Kenyon, 33, both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The British soldiers are accused of committing the alleged offences at a humanitarian aid camp in Basra, in May 2003.
Twenty-two photographs , showing images of Iraqis, some of whom were simulating a variety of sexual acts, were released by the court martial yesterday.
If the soldiers are found guilty, they could be jailed and discharged from the army.
Commenting on the situation, General Jackson said: "We have always made clear that the proper way of dealing with allegations of abuse by the Armed Forces is for them to be investigated by the Service Police and, as appropriate, prosecuted by the independent Service Prosecuting Authorities. I have every confidence in the military investigate and judicial system."
The General also said that 65,000 servicemen and women had served in Iraq since military operations began and he stated that "only a very small number" had been investigated in relation to alleged incidents.
He added that he would be in a position to respond more fully once the verdict has been handed down and any sentences passed.
The court martial is set to continue today.
(KMcA/SP)
General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff, made his comments after photographs of UK soldiers allegedly abusing Iraqis were released during the ongoing court martial of three British soldiers.
The General said that he could not comment on the photographs while the court martial was continuing, but he said: "We condemn utterly all acts of abuse. Where there is evidence of abuse, this is immediately investigated."
Prime Minister Tony Blair told the House of Commons today that he was disgusted by the by the photographs which he found "shocking and appalling". He said that the allegations would be fully investigated by the Army.
Three Royal Regiment of Fusiliers soldiers are facing nine charges at the court martial, which is taking place in Osnabruck, Germany.
Lance Corporal Darren Larkin, 30, from Oldham, Greater Manchester has denied one charge, but has admitted to assaulting a man in May 2003.
Lance Corporal Mark Cooley, 25, from Newcastle upon Tyne and Corporal Daniel Kenyon, 33, both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The British soldiers are accused of committing the alleged offences at a humanitarian aid camp in Basra, in May 2003.
Twenty-two photographs , showing images of Iraqis, some of whom were simulating a variety of sexual acts, were released by the court martial yesterday.
If the soldiers are found guilty, they could be jailed and discharged from the army.
Commenting on the situation, General Jackson said: "We have always made clear that the proper way of dealing with allegations of abuse by the Armed Forces is for them to be investigated by the Service Police and, as appropriate, prosecuted by the independent Service Prosecuting Authorities. I have every confidence in the military investigate and judicial system."
The General also said that 65,000 servicemen and women had served in Iraq since military operations began and he stated that "only a very small number" had been investigated in relation to alleged incidents.
He added that he would be in a position to respond more fully once the verdict has been handed down and any sentences passed.
The court martial is set to continue today.
(KMcA/SP)
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