The
BBC
program Newsnight reported today that 98 detainees have died in US custody since August 2002 in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Pentagon, which traditionally and allegedly, is among the last to know what the troops are doing has committed to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty.
"Of the 98 deaths, at least 34 were suspected or confirmed homicides, the programme said.
The Pentagon told Newsnight it had not seen the report but took allegations of maltreatment "very seriously" and would prosecute if necessary.
The report defines the 34 cases classified as homicides as "caused by intentional or reckless behaviour".
It says another 11 cases have been deemed suspicious and that between eight and 12 prisoners were tortured to death."
The group Human Rights First that obtained the information also stressed their concern on the very lenient punishments that follow deaths in captivity.
The Pentagon's contention of "a few bad eggs" continues to look more firmly like foolishness covering the true responsability and accountability of those at the top of the chain of command.