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Judges today criticised military chiefs over allegations that British soldiers may have killed up to 20 prisoners held in Iraq.
After Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth agreed a new inquiry into the claims, the judges condem- ned the Ministry of Defence for failing to provide documents for the case at a court hearing today.
They also accused the Government of seeking a public interest immunity certificate, used to withhold information, "on a partly false basis".
Six Iraqis are asking the High Court to order an independent public inquiry into the accusations that captives were taken to a British base then tortured, murdered and mutilated in 2004.
Five of the six applicants say they were themselves mistreated by British forces.
Lawyers for MoD, which denies wrongdoing by the soldiers, say the 20 who died were killed in the fighting and an independent investigation has already been held by the Royal Military Police.
Lord Justice Scott Baker, sitting in London with two other judges, said the hearing had so far been "a complete waste of time - at vast expense".
Clive Lewis, QC, said the Government "profoundly regretted" a failure to make documents available to the court. The case continues.
Reader views (2)
What's the purpose of all this? To show that nasty things happen during a war? I never would have guessed!!! Then, no doubt there will be compensation claims.
- Sue Rochester, London, 06/07/2009 16:56
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what a complete waste of time & taxpayers money....................
- Jonny, London, 06/07/2009 15:20
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