UK troops filmed beating detainees

A British tabloid released a video of what defense sources claim is 95% likely a number of UK troops beating Iraqi detainees. The video, currently under investigation by the Royal Military Police, is alleged to be a home video filmed by a British Corporal.

The video, quite clear and visible, with a sound recording of "callous commentary" by the camerman, shows a number of what appear to be UK troops dragging out a number of young detainees and delivering headbutts, kicks, baton blows. A number of the bodies are bloodied and unmoving. The Sunday Times writes that the victims "appear to be young rioters" who at times were pleading for mercy.

News of the World quotes the seller of the video, who viewed it in Europe:

"These Iraqis were just kids. Most haven't even got shoes on.

"Those eight soldiers were pumped up and out of control. They're an insult to the thousands of soldiers who have worked so hard in Iraq with courage and dignity for so long.

"They're nothing but a gang of thugs, a disgrace to themselves, their regiment and country."