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Iraqi Sunni Scholars Condemn British Troops "Attack" on Basra Youths

Posted on: Saturday, 18 February 2006, 06:00 CST

Text of report headlined "Association of Muslim Scholars calls for an international investigation on treatment of youths in Basra by British 'occupation' forces", published by Iraqi Association of Muslim Scholars weekly newspaper Al-Basa'ir on 15 February

Association of Muslim Scholars has issued Statement No 217 on the attack by British forces on youth from Basra. The statement is as follows: "Arab and international media broadcast a videotape in which British soldiers brutally beat and kicked four boys from Basra with sticks. They were taped by a British sergeant who was saying "Yes" several times in order to encourage the soldiers to continue the assault. He was laughing with hysteria, which reflected his enjoyment from the sight and thus expressing malice and hatred, which characterizes British "occupation" soldiers attitude towards honest people of our homeland.

One of the events that make a person laugh and cry, is that these pictures, which were condemned by many parties including British ones, were neglected by political forces which are engaged in their own disputes. These forces ignored them as if they have nothing to do with this issue. What is worse is that the police director in Basra expressed his resentment towards the broadcast of these pictures. He thinks that those who broadcast them only want to pose problems. In addition, the national security adviser, commenting on this incident, praised British forces and described it as "balanced". He denied that this incident and similar ones have nothing to do with the call for "occupation" forces to leave Iraq.

While condemning such acts, the Association of Muslim Scholars confirms that these events are part of a policy implemented by British "occupation" forces and not an accident as Tony Blair claimed. More is hidden behind this. When the facts become known, the world will see scandals that human beings cannot believe. What disturbs the association is the disregard by political forces which always claim that they work for Iraqis while they decline today to help Iraqis' cause in word or deeds.

This attitude has confirmed what we predicted before, that the politicians who came on US and British tanks are supported by "occupation" forces, and have seized power through elections which lack credibility. They do not care for Iraq's interests and only care for their own. Consequently, they cannot be relied upon to save Iraq from the current impasse.

The association calls for an international investigation into these violations after experience has confirmed that "occupation" forces cover such scandals, as those of Al-Jadiriyah Prison, Al- Nisur Prison Centre, and others.

Source: BBC Monitoring Middle East

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