Iraq-death inquiry begins

Wednesday, 15 October 2008 5:50 PM

The public inquiry into the death of Iraqi hotel receptionist who died in British custody begins today.

Its chairman Sir William Gage is due to introduce his team and set out background to the inquiry into Baha Mousa's death, which is being held at London's Furnival Street.

Sir William said the remit of his inquiry was to "investigate and report on the circumstances surrounding the death of Baha Mousa and the treatment of those detained with him".

Then defence secretary Des Browne announced in May that a public inquiry would be held into Mr Mousa's death.

Sir William added that he would be "taking account of the investigations which have already taken place, in particular where responsibility lay for approving the practice of conditioning detainees by any members of the First Battalion The Queen's Lancashire Regiment in Iraq in 2003 and to make recommendations."

Basra hotel receptionist Mr Mousa died while in the custody of British soldiers on September 14th 2003.

The 26-year-old's family have already been awarded £3 million in compensation by the Ministry of Defence over his death.

Tags:
• domestic policy
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• foreign policy
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• iraq
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• legal
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• legal and constitutional
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• middle east