British troops cleared of murdering Iraqi as trial collapses

[Barrett808]

LONDON (AFP) - Charges against seven British soldiers accused of murdering an Iraqi teenager were dismissed after the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence.

The men, who all served with the 3rd Parachute Regiment, were all found not guilty of murder and violent disorder at a court martial in the garrison town of Colchester, southeast England.

The soldiers were accused of murdering 18-year-old Nadhem Abdullah in May 2003 in an attack on a group of Iraqi civilians in al-Ferkah, 60 miles (97 kilometres) north of the main southern city of Basra.

Judge Jeff Blackett said the prosecution evidence "could never reach the high standard of proof required to be sure of the guilt of any defendant".

Despite the difficulties conducting an inquiry in Iraq, Blackett said he considered the investigation had been "inadequate", particularly in gathering DNA evidence, independent testimony and records.

...

"It has become clear to everyone involved as the trial has progressed that the main Iraqi witnesses had colluded to exaggerate and lie about the incident," he said.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051103/wl_mideast_afp/iraqbritainjustice

[leftofcool]

1. Of course they were cleared.

WTF is a "high standard of proof."

Left of Cool

[daleo]

3. A high standard of proof is probably unattainable in a war zone

That is why pre-emptive war is illegal - it is the seed for every other conceivable crime, including murder.

[brentspeak]

7. Should they be convicted just for the heck of it?

They had their day in court, and the court ruled in their favor. Soldiers (nor anyone else) should be made scapegoats. Watch "Breaker Morant".

[Stella_Artois]

8. A high standard of proof

Would need witnesses that did not fabricate their allegations only to admit they lied when sworn on the Koran.

[Benhurst]

2. I have reluctantly come to have very little respect for Great Britain. NT

[Benbow]

4. You should read up the whole report before shooting your mouth off -

Judge Blackett told BBC Radio 4 (I heard him) that he had been very impressed by how the Muslim women witnesses for the defence, once they had taken an oath on the Koran to speak the truth, immediately admitted that they had been lying up until then.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4403264.stm

The US has committed grotesque human rights abuses in Iraq, over and over again, and not just at Abu Ghraib or in Fallujah. You, in the glasshouse, should think twice about throwing stones saying that you have very little respect for Great Britain. I have absolutely nil respect for the US administration.

[Leftist_Warrior]

5. Yup, you're right. n/t

[Benhurst]

6. Response to #4: Blair's Britain has become

BushAmerica's all-too-willing handmaiden.

All nations go through bad periods. BushAmerica is going through a particularly bad one; but so is Britain.

If you are posting on DU, you probably do not like what is happening in the United States. Well, take a good look at Britain, as well.

Neither deserves respect at this time.