The US government has failed to compensate Iraqis who were tortured or abused by US forces during the Iraq War, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report highlights the lack of recognition and redress for survivors of abuse, despite evidence of mistreatment at prisons run by the US in Iraq.
Between 2003 and 2009, approximately 100,000 Iraqis were detained by the US and its coalition allies following the invasion of Iraq. HRW and other organizations have documented cases of torture and abuse by US forces during this period. However, survivors have received little acknowledgment or compensation from the US government.
Sarah Yager, the Washington director at HRW, expressed concern over the lack of progress in addressing these issues. She stated, “Twenty years on, Iraqis who were tortured by US personnel still have no clear path for filing a claim or receiving any kind of redress or recognition from the US government.” Yager emphasized that the long-term effects of torture continue to impact many Iraqis and their families.
To shed light on the issue, HRW interviewed Taleb Al-Majli, a former detainee at Abu Ghraib prison, and three anonymous individuals with knowledge of his detention and condition after release. Al-Majli claims to be one of the prisoners depicted in a widely circulated photograph showing naked, hooded prisoners arranged in a human pyramid while US soldiers smiled behind them.
According to Al-Majli, he was detained by US forces while visiting relatives in Anbar province in 2003. After being held at Habbaniya military base and an undisclosed location, he was transferred to Abu Ghraib prison. Al-Majli described being subjected to various forms of torture, including police dogs, sound bombs, live fire, and water hoses.
HRW found Al-Majli’s account to be credible and supported by corroborating evidence, such as a prisoner identity card issued by US forces at Abu Ghraib. Despite seeking compensation and an apology for the abuse he endured for the past two decades, Al-Majli has been unable to obtain assistance from Iraqi authorities or contact the US military to raise a claim.
In June 2023, HRW wrote to the US Department of Defense, outlining Al-Majli’s case and requesting information on compensation for survivors of torture in Iraq. However, no response was received. Yager called on the US secretary of defense and attorney general to investigate allegations of torture and abuse during counterinsurgency operations and initiate appropriate prosecutions against those involved.
The lack of compensation or redress for victims of detainee abuse in Iraq is a concerning issue highlighted by HRW. The organization has found no evidence that the US government has provided any compensation or individual apologies to survivors of abuse. HRW emphasizes the importance of providing recognition, compensation, and official apologies to survivors and their families.
The report by HRW serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of torture and abuse on individuals and communities affected by armed conflicts. It calls for accountability and justice for survivors, urging the US government to take responsibility for its actions during the Iraq War. The failure to address these issues not only perpetuates the suffering of survivors but also undermines efforts to promote human rights and restore trust in the rule of law.