British quizzed Iraqis at torture jail

· Tories demand Hoon explains when he was told about prisoner abuse
· Whitehall alarmed over report that detainees were hidden from Red Cross

Peter Beaumont, Martin Bright and Paul Harris in Washington
Sunday May 9, 2004
The Observer

The revelations threaten to drag the British government into the heart of the international scandal over coalition abuse at Abu Ghraib. It follows claims in yesterday's Guardian that the humiliating sexual abuse at the jail was consistent with procedures taught to British and American special forces.

An MoD spokesman said the three British military staff were based at Abu Ghraib, but insisted they were unaware of abuses or the US investigation that began in January. The three interrogators interviewed a small number of prisoners with a view to 'gathering information' that could help the coalition. Their work, he said, was consistent with the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners and responsibility for guarding them remained with the US.

The interrogators arrived at the prison after the abuse was discovered and after investigations began into the allegations. One left the prison in March while the others remained until April.

The disclosure will put fresh pressure on British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to clarify when he first heard of allegations of mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners amid claims from the Red Cross that British officials were alerted in November.

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BRIAN BRADY
WESTMINSTER EDITOR


THE British government was warned by Red Cross officials in February that coalition troops were abusing and even killing Iraqi captives, it emerged last night.

Downing Street has been dragged into the deepening crisis after admitting ministers were shown a copy of the Red Cross report detailing abuses so that action could be taken.

The revelation prompted immediate opposition demands that Tony Blair explain what he and senior government colleagues knew and what steps they took to stop the abuse of captives.

Last night, there was further severe embarrassment for the British military after it emerged a second regiment was apparently involved in the mistreatment of prisoners and that soldiers could face prosecution for sexual assault.
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http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=528512004

The revelations threaten to drag the British government into the heart of the international scandal over coalition abuse at Abu Ghraib. It follows claims in yesterday's Guardian that the humiliating sexual abuse at the jail was consistent with procedures taught to British and American special forces.

Bush and Blair should stand trial for war crimes. Blair in particular should be investigated for ordering the murder of David Kelley.

Is that what it's called?

Oh those British they're so laid back

we've never had this here

have British opposition over a period of months ever just praised the PM??

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I've watched out PMs battle it out with the Opposition (live) on many an occasion, and there is no way that Bush could survive such open scrutiny.

The US's governmental system is part of its downfall.

The US has reached the apogee of its power and respect in the world.

They will never maintain it.