British soldiers to be investigated for war crimes in Iraq

The International Criminal Court in The Hague is to reopen an inquiry into allegations that British soldiers committed war crimes in Iraq, following new information from two human rights groups.

A 250-page report concerning the conduct of British soldiers between 2003 and 2008 was given to the court in January by London-based law firm Public Interest Lawyers and a Berlin-based pressure group.

The court is to conduct a preliminary examination of around 60 alleged cases of unlawful killing and claims that more than 170 Iraqis were mistreated while in British military custody. ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will examine the quality of the investigations launched by British authorities into these allegations.

British attorney general Dominic Grieve says, however, the allegations are being comprehensively investigated in the UK and rejects allegations of “systematic abuse”. He said: “British troops are some of the best in the world and we expect them to operate to the highest standards.”

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team, set up by the British government, has 145 staff including military police, civil investigators and civil servants, and is led by a retired senior policeman. It is investigating allegations ranging from assault to murder.

Mr Grieve, promising full co-operation to prove “that British justice is following its proper course”, said the historic allegations team’s investigation is “independent, robust and meticulous” and properly financed. “It is my job to make sure that continues to be the case,” he said.