Staffordshire detective to lead Iraq abuse inquiry
INVESTIGATIONS into allegations of abuse by British troops in Iraq will be led by a retired detective from Staffordshire.
The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) is expected to take two years to investigate dozens of allegations of mistreatment.
The team is led by retired detective chief superintendent Geoff White, the former head of Staffordshire CID, pictured right, and was set up in response to a number of claims of abuse of Iraqis by British personnel.
A full public inquiry remains an option, if IHAT uncovered "serious and systemic" abuse, Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said yesterday.
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The recent leak of the Iraq war logs has put the spotlight back on the conduct of the U.S. led coalition forces during the war.
A High Court bid has also been launched to hold a public inquiry into the alleged mistreatment of more than 100 Iraqis detained by British troops.
In a statement to Parliament Mr Harvey said: "There are those that argue that the Government should hold a public inquiry into these unproven allegations now, but we disagree.
"A costly public inquiry would be unable to investigate individual criminal behaviour or impose punishments."
But Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox "has not ruled out holding a public inquiry at some point in the future, should serious and systemic issues emerge from IHAT's investigations that might justify it".
It is understood that IHAT is aware of around 90 cases, the circumstances of which relate to 128 complainants.
Comments
by Derek, Stoke
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 9:40PM
“chav - longton massive (dump), -- rape, bomb, pillage, plunder, kill, ransack, torture and abuse them.....earned a bit of fun haven't they?
When these tribes learn to stop blowing civilians up i'm sure the army will stop killing them. I wonder why the taliban or whatever don't just offer the uk/us armies a straight fight? Is it because they know they'd get btich slapped?”
by chav, longton massive
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 6:36PM
“our boys are innocent, it was the iraqis fault, they made us invade, rape, bomb, pillage, plunder, kill, ransack, torture and abuse them.
"just following orders" too.”
by Mark, Burslem
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 12:39PM
“Another waste of tax payers money, war is war, it's not meant to be pleasant. Who investigates the abuse from the Iraqis? no one because that won't matter will it!!!!”
by David, SOT
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 1:28AM
“If self flagellation makes some people feel better then good for them. Wars won't change though.....Be all the same the next time.”
by anon, hanley
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 1:26AM
“So Terry Cope, our troops didn't murder Baha Mousa in custody then? Given your outspoken views on the invasion I would have thought you'd back this.”
by pat, Madeley
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 7:34PM
“Well I suppose this country may as well waste money on this investigation as anything else.
I think Mr White is on a hiding to nothing though. If he finds no abuse he will be said to be siding with the UK, if he finds there was abuse he will be said to be pandering to the muslims.
Good luck anyway.”
by T COPE, TUNSTALL
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 7:19PM
“Its time to kick our boys in the teeth with false allegations from people who know they will get money from the British mugs.”
by Dave, North Staffordshire
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 2:07PM
“Read again RETIRED.”
by M.Davies, Blythe Bridge
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 11:28AM
“This is jolly nice for him. But I would sooner have detecting crime in Staffordshire not miles away.”