Custody death 'may boost extremism'

Jul 13 2009

Events such as the death of Iraqi receptionist Baha Mousa in British military custody can act as a "rallying cry" for extremists, the public inquiry into the incident has heard.

This risks undermining the sacrifices made by UK troops serving abroad, a hearing in central London was told.

Mr Mousa, 26, died while being detained by soldiers from the former Queen's Lancashire Regiment in Basra, southern Iraq, in September 2003.

A wide-ranging inquiry into his death and the British Army's use of so-called conditioning techniques to "soften up" prisoners for interrogation has started.

In an opening statement Gerard Elias QC, counsel to the inquiry, said the "gravity and importance" of these matters "required little explanation".

He went on: "The death of any person in the custody of the state other than by natural causes is always a matter raising serious questions.

"Where the death has occurred in the custody of British forces serving abroad and there has been the infliction of injuries to other detainees in circumstances where the issue of so-called conditioning techniques is raises, these matters of clear and obvious public concern and importance, which require an independent and thorough inquiry to ascertain where possible the truth of what occurred, and where appropriate to attribute responsibility."

Mr Elias added: "Such an event can act as a rallying cry for extremists, with all the pressures that that puts on those men and women still on active service.

"To be seen to be dealing with such allegations in a comprehensive and fair way may not of itself heal the wounds, but perhaps it does go some way to provide reassurance both to those who may have been wronged and to those who have nothing to fear from the truth.

"That is why, sir, we say it is important that this inquiry takes place."