In a statement to the House of Lords, Attorney General Peter Goldsmith said the case was the first of eight involving British troops that has been turned over to army prosecutors for possible trial. A ninth case involving the alleged unlawful killing of an Iraqi civilian who was beaten to death while in custody is being examined by civilian prosecutors, Goldsmith said.

The armed forces minister told Parliament that the military is investigating a total of 75 cases involving the deaths, injuries or alleged mistreatment of Iraqi civilians.

The four soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers face charges of assault, indecent assault and "prejudicing good order and military discipline."

The Japan Times Weekly: June 19, 2004
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