Retrial date set for US federal lawsuit on Abu Ghraib torture case

A federal lawsuit alleging torture of Iraqis while in US custody two decades ago that ended in a mistrial in May due to a deadlocked jury has been set for a retrial for 30 October.

The case, Al Shimari v. CACI, was filed in 2008 by the Center for Constitutional Rights on behalf of four Iraqis alleging torture starting in 2003 by the US contractor CACI International Inc. and CACI Premier Technology, which were hired by the US government to provide interrogation services.

"This case is part of our effort to bring accountability for torture and other serious violations of international law arising out of the so-called 'war on terror' and invasion of Iraq," according to a public statement by the Center for Constitutional Rights.

They noted in their statement that the alleged violations go against US and international law. These include torture, sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They also noted that their clients are civilians who were released and never charged with a crime, and decades later continue to suffer physical and mental harm from the abuse they endured while imprisoned at Abu Ghraib.

The plaintiffs have described this case as a challenge to corporate impunity of private military contractors. If successful, it could set a legal precedent.

Allegations of torture of Iraqis in US custody at Abu Ghraib made international headlines in 2004 when photos were leaked of detainees stripped naked with bags over their heads while US soldiers stood beside them smiling for the camera.