New allegations of British abuse in Iraq

The Observer: Three of the cases concern incidents in which Iraqis were detained by British forces. Four involve the fatal shooting of Iraqis during military operations and two involve non-fatal injuries. A further 48 cases are still being investigated, while 77 cases have been examined and closed by army lawyers.

'Complaints against the armed forces are investigated behind closed doors, by the armed forces themselves. The decision whether to pursue a case rests with the commanding officer of the accused- hardly the independent and impartial investigation that international law requires. '

Phil Shiner, of Birmingham-based Public Interest Lawyers, who is representing Iraqi civilians in some 40 legal actions against the army, 10 of which involve allegations of detention and mistreatment, said he had written to the attorney-general expressing concerns that allegations of abuse might be more widespread than previously acknowledged. Link