Violent backlash feared as troops go on trial
The British forces in Afghanistan and Iraq have been placed on high alert for revenge attacks when a court martial of soldiers accused of abusing Iraqi prisoners starts this week.
Seven soldiers are accused of commiting the offences while serving with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment three years ago. The most serious allegation is that the death of a hotel receptionist, Baha Musa, in Basra, was caused by a beating by British soldiers. Musa, 26, was detained by a British patrol and died in custody in September 2003.
The 11,500 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq have been told to expect violence. The court martial, to start on Wednesday at Bulford in Wiltshire, is expected to last at least 12 weeks.
Read the rest at the Observor
Seven soldiers are accused of commiting the offences while serving with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment three years ago. The most serious allegation is that the death of a hotel receptionist, Baha Musa, in Basra, was caused by a beating by British soldiers. Musa, 26, was detained by a British patrol and died in custody in September 2003.
The 11,500 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq have been told to expect violence. The court martial, to start on Wednesday at Bulford in Wiltshire, is expected to last at least 12 weeks.
Read the rest at the Observor
posted by iraqnam at 2:57 PM
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