Today’s Defence news is dominated by coverage of the Iraq Historical Allegations Team.
IRAQ HISTORICAL ALLEGATIONS TEAM
It is reported that dozens of cases in which British soldiers are accused of unlawfully killing Iraqi civilians have been referred to prosecutors. The Independent says that more than 50 deaths will be examined, saying the Iraq Historic Allegations Team has sought advice from the Service Prosecuting Authority on unlawful death cases. The Daily Mail, Guardian, Daily Telegraph and Sun report that hundreds of British soldiers who served in Iraq have received letters from investigators questioning their role in the alleged abuse of suspected insurgents on the frontline.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
The vast majority of UK service personnel deployed on military operations conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the law.
The MOD takes all allegations of abuse or unlawful killing extremely seriously. That is why we are ensuring that they are investigated to establish the facts.
PTE GAVIN WILLIAMS INQUEST
It is reported that a coroner recorded a narrative conclusion yesterday at the inquest into the death of Private Gavin Williams who died in 2006. The story is covered by The Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, the Times and the Daily Mail. After a six-week inquest, the coroner ruled that the “beasting” Pte Williams received on a hot day in 2006 was unlawful and concluded that the “chain of command” knew, or at least should have known, the practice was taking place. The stories all carry the apology of Director of Personal Services (Army), Brigadier John Donnelly, on behalf of the British Army. You can read his full statement here.
SYRIA
The Times reports on the emerging images of civilians in besieged town Madaya dying of hunger. The article follows Queen Rania of Jordan’s meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday, where it is reported that she urged him to find a “new approach” in dealing with refugees running for their lives from Daesh. The Daily Telegraph and the Times also cover the calls made by politicians for the RAF to drop aid over the besieged Syrian town.
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