(Source: Washington Post)A federal jury has found defense contractor CACI International liable for its role in the abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, awarding $42 million in damages to three Iraqi men who were tortured there two decades ago. This marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held accountable for the notorious abuses at the prison, which gained worldwide attention after graphic photos of U.S. soldiers mistreating prisoners were released in 2004.
The plaintiffs — Salah Al-Ejaili, Asa’ad Al-Zuba’e, and Suhail Al Shimari — said they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including forced nudity, stress positions, and threats with dogs, after being detained in 2003. While their mistreatment wasn’t captured in the infamous images, their attorneys argued that CACI interrogators directed military personnel to “soften up” detainees prior to questioning, leading to widespread abuse.
After a lengthy legal battle and multiple trials, the jury in Alexandria, Virginia, awarded $3 million in compensatory damages to each plaintiff, as well as $32 million in punitive damages. This decision comes after years of legal wrangling — with the case first filed in 2008 — and marks a significant moment in the fight for justice for Abu Ghraib survivors.
“This is a victory for our clients and all those who suffered at Abu Ghraib,” said Baher Azmy, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The company, which had maintained that its employees were merely following Army orders, is expected to appeal.
The case is a stark reminder of the broader responsibility for human rights abuses during the Iraq War, holding contractors accountable alongside military personnel for actions that continue to haunt survivors today.
