NationStates Jolt Archive


Iraq Jail Chief Says Prisoner Abuse Covered Up

Sumamba Buwhan
03-08-2004, 16:27
Okay so now we have a General claiming that the cover up may go all the way up to the Pentagon/Whitehouse. I personally think that we shouldn't jump to conclusions before we find out the facts, but do not rule it out.

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Iraq Jail Chief Says Prisoner Abuse Covered Up (http://news.myway.com/world/article/id/418818|world|08-03-2004::08:28|reuters.html)
Aug 3, 8:26 AM (ET)

LONDON (Reuters) - The U.S. general formerly in charge of Baghdad's notorious Abu Ghraib prison said on Tuesday abuse of Iraqi captives was hidden from her in a cover-up that may reach all the way to the Pentagon or White House.

Speaking on the same day a U.S. soldier at the center of the prisoner abuse scandal is due to face a military court, Brigadier-General Janis Karpinski said she was deliberately kept in the dark about abuse and humiliation of Iraqi prisoners.

"A very reliable witness has made a statement indicating that, not only was I not included in any of the meetings discussing interrogation operations, but specific measures were taken to ensure I would not have access to those facilities, that information or any of the details of interrogation at Abu Ghraib or anywhere else," Karpinski told Britain's BBC radio.

Karpinski, responsible for the military police who ran prisons in Iraq when pictures were taken showing prisoners being abused, has been suspended from her post but not charged with any crime.

She said that those with "full knowledge" of what was going on in Abu Ghraib worked to keep her from discovering the truth.

Asked if a cover-up meant involvement of the White House or Pentagon, she said: "I have not seen the statement but the indication is it may have."

Photographs of U.S. military police abusing hooded prisoners in Abu Ghraib and accusations of abuse by British and other troops have fueled Arab and international anger, shaking President Bush's efforts to stabilize Iraq.

In Britain, an Iraqi witness alleged at a court hearing last week that UK soldiers had tortured detainees by beating and kicking them and pouring freezing water over them.

U.S. Private First Class Lynndie England, the 21-year-old military police officer who became the public face of inmate abuse at Abu Ghraib, faces a hearing on Tuesday to determine whether she will be tried on charges of abuse and committing indecent acts.

Karpinski told the BBC she never personally witnessed abuse at Abu Ghraib or at any of the prisons she commanded.

She has also said she was told by a military intelligence commander that detainees should be "treated like dogs."
BoogieDown Production
03-08-2004, 16:41
Wow, thank god somebody has the cojones to let this info out. I dont really have anything else to say. This is justa bump to keep this thread on the front page.
Sumamba Buwhan
03-08-2004, 17:22
Yeah thanks!

I agree that it does take courage for her to open up about this. I dont think this is a dead horse issue yet. Although I am glad it came out because I'm sure it had to at least reduce the amount of abuse taking place.