- The International Criminal Court has reopening the war crime investigations of the systemic torture of Iraqis by British troops stationed there, including the several senior officials and political figures, during 2003-2008.
- This was following submission of evidences by Public Interest Lawyers, a law firm that is working pro bono for 412 Iraqi victims, and the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR).
- The petitions refers to severe physical and emotional torture sustained while in custody of UK Services Personnel, and implicates personnel up the command chain. Ultimate responsibility lies with the Secretary of State for Defence, and the Minister of State for Service Personnel.
- The torturing techniques employed were alleged systemic as the same were adopted in various UK facilities in Iraq. Techniques include:
- Hooding
- Sensory cum sleep deprivation
- Emotional abuse
- Mock executions
- Rape threats
- Severe physical torture
- UK has denied the accusations of systemic abuse and has pledged to prove that the British justice system is tackling these allegations, and denied attempts to cover up the allegations.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/icc-to-reopen-iraq-war-probe/article6010367.ece
Exams Perspective: