Nearly 60 Iraq killings claims against British soldiers dropped
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 January 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Nearly 60 Iraq killings claims against British soldiers dropped, 25 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c429446.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 25, 2016
Britain says nearly 60 investigations into British soldiers accused of unlawful killings in Iraq have been dropped.
The Ministry of Defense said on January 24 that the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) had decided not to proceed in 57 cases. The military's prosecuting authority stopped a further case.
It comes after a call by Prime Minister David Cameron to "stamp out" what he called "spurious" legal claims against British troops returning from action overseas.
Cameron said on January 22 he had asked ministers to draw up plans to curb claims, including by curtailing so-called "no win, no fee" arrangements by which lawyers are only paid if the lawsuit is successful.
IHAT was set up to review and investigate allegations of abuse made by Iraqi civilians against British armed forces personnel between 2003 and 2009.
It currently lists more than 1,300 allegations under investigation, including allegations of ill-treatment while in detention, unlawful killings, and accusations of assault.
Based on reporting by AFP and the BBC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
