Allegations of murder and
torture made against British soldiers by Iraqi detainees were
"deliberate lies", a five-year public inquiry has
ruled. The £31m Al-Sweady Inquiry found claims that up to 20 Iraqis were killed and mutilated after a 2004 battle were "reckless speculation".
The murder allegations were withdrawn from the inquiry earlier this year.
The report also found British soldiers mistreated nine Iraqi detainees, but it was not deliberate ill treatment.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the inquiry "puts to rest once and for all these shocking and, as we now know, completely baseless allegations".
Inquiry chairman Sir Thayne Forbes said the "most serious allegations" which "have been hanging over these soldiers for the past 10 years" have been found to be "without foundation."
A Number 10 spokesman said: "Where there are allegations of mistreatment, it is right and proper we look into and learn lessons from the past".
Mr Fallon said the inquiry - set up in 2009 - has cost the taxpayer £31m.
Source:BBC
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