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Iraqi
abuse allegations - publication of photographic evidence
For
legal reasons, I cannot comment on the photographs whilst
a court martial is continuing. We will, however, be
in a position to respond more fully once the verdict
has been handed down and any sentences have been passed.
In
the meantime, we can only repeat what we have said in
the past about abuse. We condemn utterly all acts of
abuse. Where there is evidence of abuse, this is immediately
investigated.
We
have always made clear that the proper way of dealing
with allegations of abuse by the Armed Forces is for
them to be investigated by the Service Police and, as
appropriate, prosecuted by the independent Service Prosecuting
Authorities. I have every confidence in the military
investigative and judicial system.
Some
65,000 Servicemen and women have served in Iraq since
the beginning of military operations. Only a very small
number are alleged to be involved in incidents of this
type, and in consequence the number of open investigations
into deliberate abuse against Iraqi citizens is very
small.
We
have always taken abuse allegations seriously throughout.
We will of course study the outcome of this court martial,
and consider whether it raises any new issues for the
Army.
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