This article from June 2011 is of renewed topical interest. An investigation by BBC News has revealed that the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) - which was announced in March 2010 and began work at the beginning of November - has so far managed to interview only ONE of the Iraqi civilian complainants. Some individuals have reportedly refused to cooperate on the advice of their lawyers, but IHAT dispute that such advice is justified.
British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF) spokesman Adrian Weale, who served on Operation Telic, was interviewed on Radio 4's Today programme and other BBC media. He said:
"The people making these accusations have to put up or shut up. It is almost impossible to imagine that justice can be done after the amount of time that has passed. Our members are wondering about the motivation of this inquiry. Is it a sop to 'Human Rights' opinion, or is it actually aimed towards reaching a conclusion?"
Weale was also interviewed on BFBS Forces News, and spoke about allegations which can possibly never be proved hanging over individuals, who in some cases may no longer be serving, long after the event.
- BBC News, by Angus Crawford - Iraq Historic Allegations Team probe 'is a shambles'
- Radio 4 Today programme - 'Blatant failings' of Iraqi abuse inquiry (AUDIO)
- BFBS Forces News - Iraqi abuse investigation halted (VIDEO)
Footnote: BAFF takes genuine human rights seriously, including the human rights of serving and retired British forces personnel, and we supported the campaign on behalf of former Iraqi local staff in extra danger because of their work for British agencies.
