U.S.: Troops Cleared of Abusing Reporters

[No2W2004]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=533&e=2&u=/ap/20040520/ap_on_re_us/82nd_airborne_journalists

(snip)
Soldiers were fired on from an area near where journalists had gathered, and paratroopers saw Iraqis carrying an AK-47 rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade get into a car, according to the report. The soldiers unsuccessfully chased several cars that sped from the scene.

About 30 minutes later, soldiers stopped a car that appeared to be one of those involved and detained four journalists — three from Reuters and one from NBC. No weapons were found in the car.

(snip)

The report said the paratroopers knew that detaining journalists would draw media scrutiny, but "the soldiers clearly believed that these same Iraqis had attacked them previously."

Cummings said all detainees, including the journalists, were given a routine medical screening, which included being undressed and having all body cavities examined.(snip) (remind me NOT to get a speeding ticket next time I'm in Bagdad...)

The soldiers KNEW these people were journalist, and yet..."the soldiers clearly believed that these same Iraqis had attacked them previously."????????

In the course of the investigation, the journalist were NOT interviewed and their allegations "are not credible."

Also, the Army said NBC did not respond to a request for information on the handling of its reporter, and NBC isn't reporting this story. Probably on orders from G.E.)

The soldiers have been given a refresher course on proper handling of detainees. Bet that will make everyone feel better.

[LizW]

1. So, that's a relief

A body cavity search is part of a "routine medical screening"? Remind me not to go for a physical in Baghdad. :eyes:

[seabeyond]

2. and the detainees sticking finger in butt

and then made to lick their finger, just the soldiers forgot how to do detainees.

they have a car they lost, they think it is similar, and they find no weapons, but they are sure.............ya that is good cop work. knowing they are reporters and still driving around town not trying to hide.

and then the military has the audacity to say to world, we didnt need the pictures to come out to get to the bottom of things.