UK 'war crimes' claims examined in The Hague

[Tinoire]

UK 'war crimes' claims examined in The Hague

By Severin Carrell
19 December 2004


Claims that the UK has committed war crimes against Iraqi civilians are being examined by the International Criminal Court after complaints by a panel of legal experts.

In a letter seen by The Independent on Sunday, the chief prosecutor of the ICC in The Hague has described the war crimes allegations as "one of the most significant" cases he has seen, and were being given "deserved weight" by his investigators.

Luis Moreno Ocampo, the chief prosecutor, indicated that his office has now begun the formal process of gathering evidence about the claims and is now expected to ask the Government to explain its military strategy in Iraq.

(snip)

Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesman, said the move would cause "profound concern" for the Government. Adam Price, the Plaid Cymru MP and one of the most prominent critics of the war, added: "This is a highly significant development."

(snip)


The panel alleged that Britain had illegally used cluster bombs in civilian areas and illegally targeted power stations, depriving civilians and hospitals of water supplies and electricity. They also allege that British use of depleted uranium armour-piercing shells was negligent.

(snip)

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=594580

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On edits: The rats are scurrying! Check out this story from today:

British Government Orders E-Mail Purge
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1083527#

[GetTheRightVote]

1. I hate to say it, but better the * and Company, American Axis of Evil

[TahitiNut]

2. If the phrase "War Crime" is to ever be used again ...

... without people all over the world scoffing in cynical disgust, then the UK and the US must be held accountable! We're an outlaw nation that's committed crimes against humanity. Guantanamo, abu Ghraib, and over a dozen 'secret' prisons conducting torture; deliberate bombing of civilians; murdering unarmed casualties - these are atrocities.