Abu Ghraib torture victims win case against private contractor

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 09:46

By ARN News Staff with Agencies

AFP

A federal jury on Tuesday ordered US defense contractor CACI International to pay $42 million in damages to three plaintiffs for its role in torture at the Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad during the Iraq war.

Tuesday's verdict marked the first time a civilian contractor was held legally responsible for the torture at the prison after a 15-year legal battle. 

CACI denies its employees engaged in torture and said it will appeal Tuesday's verdict, calling it disappointing. CACI employees worked as interrogators at the prison under contract with the US government.

The three Iraqi plaintiffs - Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili and As'ad Al-Zuba'e - said CACI interrogators would direct military personnel to "soften up" detainees before they were questioned, leading to abuses across the facility.

The torture of prisoners held by US forces during the Iraq war at the facility became a scandal during former President George W. Bush's administration after pictures of the abuse emerged in 2004.

The photos showed US troops smiling, laughing and giving thumbs up as prisoners were forced into humiliating positions including a naked human pyramid. Detainees said they endured physical and sexual abuse, infliction of electric shocks and mock executions.

The US invaded Iraq in 2003 after falsely accusing its government of hiding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people displaced millions. It has been condemned globally and was one of the most protested conflicts to date. 

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!