British military claim that the photographs are fake

While one unnamed soldier says that beatings are regularly given to Iraqi prisoners, and the Daily Mirror, which published the British abuse photos, says it is satisfied with the authenticity of the photos, some of the military are not willing to admit it.

"The pictures are clearly posed," a senior officer said. "We can't see whether the man with a sandbag over his head is an Iraqi or not."

Other sources said the type of rifle and the floppy hats pictured were not used by troops in Iraq, and the type of truck shown in the background had not been deployed there.

  Telegraph article

Britain has launched an inquiry after photographs apparently showed British soldiers abusing an Iraqi detainee, which Prime Minister Tony Blair said, if true, would be "completely and totally unacceptable."

  Reuters article

Again, we've had access on the internet to claims and stories and less graphic photos since the beginnning of this hideous war. These stories are not new. In fact, they are roundly repeated in every war. For the leaders of our countries to pretend to be shocked and appalled when a number of photographs get public attention is the height of arrogant hypocrisy. Their complicity, responsibility and pretense at morality is what is appalling.


Update 05/14/04: The Daily Mirror has agreed that the photos are fake, and the editor has resigned.