Army faces new claims over Iraq brutality:British soldiers

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Lawyers weigh charges over nine fresh allegations as government faces demands for full public inquiry
The army faces a fresh series of serious allegations of abuse against its forces in Iraq, The Observer has learnt. The Ministry of Defence confirmed last night that army prosecution lawyers have completed investigations into nine separate incidents involving British soldiers serving in Iraq and are now actively considering bringing charges on the back of their inquiries.

Three of the cases concern incidents in which Iraqis were detained by British forces. Four involve the fatal shooting of Iraqis during military operations and two involve non-fatal injuries. A further 48 cases are still being investigated, while 77 cases have been examined and closed by army lawyers. An MoD spokesman declined to give further details, but confirmed: 'Nine cases are now complete and the army prosecution authorities are examining them.' The nine cases are in addition to the current court mar tial in Osnabrück, Germany, where three members of the Royal Fusiliers have been accused of abusing Iraqi civilians.

The revelation that more of the 9,200 soldiers serving in Iraq could face courts martial has prompted calls from human rights groups for a full public inquiry into the army's activities. They also want to know when - and to what extent - the government was aware of concerns about the abuse of Iraqis.

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, which last year raised concerns about the conduct of British troops with defence ministers, said only an independent investigation could reveal the true picture.

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,1396773,00.html