Lib Dems Launch Iraq Torture Petition

4.47.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2004

Bill Newton Dunn MEP, and his fellow Euro-Candidate Dr Alan Riley launched the Iraq Torture Petition last Friday at the Islamic Centre, Curzon Street, Nottingham.

Bill Newton Dunn MEP said, "We need to know the full truth about what went on in the American and British gaols in Iraq. Both governments should release all the evidence, including photographs, establish and independent and impartial inquiry into all allegations and where sufficient evidence is found prosecute those responsible, be they contractors, military or intelligence officials".

Dr Alan Riley said, "as soon as possible Iraq should be internationalised with the UN in the driving seat, and as soon as humanely and practically possible, free elections should be held and full sovereignty restored to the Iraqi people".

Across the East Midlands region, people from all communities will be encouraged to sign the Iraq Torture Petition, to protest at the inaction and irresponsibility of the American and British governments over the captives, who US officials themselves admit are innocent of any crime. The Petition is a major opportunity, together with the European Elections on June 10th for people across the region to make their voices heard over the Iraq catastrophe.

ENDS

Note to Editors: See below for the text of the petition:

Following the photographic evidence unearthed of torture in the Abu Ghraib Gaol in Iraq, by soldiers, intelligence operatives and contractors of the US armed forces, and the evidence provided by the testimony of disgusted British soldiers, Amnesty International and the Red Cross of British as well as US cases of torture we the undersigned demand that the US and British governments:-

(a) Release all evidence in their possession, such as photographs, memoranda and internal and external reports relating to the torture cases and conduct toward prisoners in Iraq in the hands of the British, American and other Coalition Authorities to the public and media;

(b) Set up an Independent and Impartial Inquiry to Investigate the evidence and all allegations of Torture;

(c) Prosecute Contractors, Intelligence Operators, as well as members of the military where there is sufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution; and

(d) Fully compensate the victims of torture, and provide adequate medical and psychological care to the victims.

(e) Transfer Authority for Iraq from the Coalition to an International Regime with the UN in the driving seat. And thereafter hold free elections and fully restore Iraqi sovereignty.

For information/copies, contact: Dr Alan Riley: 07799 413 792 or Tiffany Venning: 07980 492 146

Press releases, candidate and campaign information are available on: www.libdemeuro.com