This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7220486.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Judge allows Iraq 'abuse' reports Judge allows Iraq 'abuse' reports
(20 minutes later)
A legal order which had stopped the media from reporting allegations of torture by British troops in Iraq has been lifted by the High Court.A legal order which had stopped the media from reporting allegations of torture by British troops in Iraq has been lifted by the High Court.
The abuse is said to have taken place after British soldiers were ambushed between Basra and Amara in May 2004.The abuse is said to have taken place after British soldiers were ambushed between Basra and Amara in May 2004.
After the exchange of fire that followed, 31 Iraqis were reportedly taken into British custody at Abu Naji.After the exchange of fire that followed, 31 Iraqis were reportedly taken into British custody at Abu Naji.
Their families allege that 22 of them died and nine were tortured. The MoD denied any wrongdoing by UK troops.Their families allege that 22 of them died and nine were tortured. The MoD denied any wrongdoing by UK troops.
Iraqi death certificates are said to state that the dead Iraqis showed signs of torture and mutilation.Iraqi death certificates are said to state that the dead Iraqis showed signs of torture and mutilation.
The testimonies of five witnesses "combine to give a harrowing account of what took place", according to their lawyers.The testimonies of five witnesses "combine to give a harrowing account of what took place", according to their lawyers.
MoD denies evidence of wrongdoing Public inquiry
The Ministry of Defence has also denied there is any evidence of mutilation.The Ministry of Defence has also denied there is any evidence of mutilation.
The gagging order was imposed by Lord Justice Thomas at the High Court in London last December.The gagging order was imposed by Lord Justice Thomas at the High Court in London last December.
It prevented the naming of any of the Iraqi claimants or the reporting of their testimonies, until a final decision was taken about whether any of the British soldiers would face prosecution.It prevented the naming of any of the Iraqi claimants or the reporting of their testimonies, until a final decision was taken about whether any of the British soldiers would face prosecution.
But now Lord Justice Moses has decided to overturn the ban completely, and ruled there was "ample material" to support the view that legal proceedings should be made public.But now Lord Justice Moses has decided to overturn the ban completely, and ruled there was "ample material" to support the view that legal proceedings should be made public.
Iraqi families and several people who say they are survivors of the incident are due at the High Court soon, where they will be seeking compensation and a public inquiry.Iraqi families and several people who say they are survivors of the incident are due at the High Court soon, where they will be seeking compensation and a public inquiry.