British and American aid intended for Iraq's hard-pressed police service is being diverted to paramilitary commando units accused of widespread human rights abuses, including torture and extra-judicial killings...
The investigation revealed:
· A 'ghost' network of secret detention centres across the country, inaccessible to human rights organisations, where torture is taking place.
· Compelling evidence of widespread use of violent interrogation methods including hanging by the arms, burnings, beatings, the use of electric shocks and sexual abuse.
· Apparent co-operation between unofficial and official detention facilities, and evidence of extra-judicial executions by the police.
Good news, though: the UK "has raised this with the Iraqi government":
'We would expect them to publish the findings of any investigations, prosecute those found to have carried out any abuse, punish those found guilty regardless of rank or background, and take all steps to prevent any recurrence.'
Which surely means that change and accountability are the way. After all, it's not as if there's another occupying power which would be willing to back torture, right?
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