Inquiry into death of Iraqi announced

LONDON, May 14 (UPI) -- Plans to conduct a public inquiry concerning the death of Iraqi civilian Baha Mousa, who died while in British custody in 2003, were announced Wednesday.

British Minister of Defense Des Browne, who made the announcement, said a public inquiry into the death of Mousa is an effort to reassure the public concerning the conduct of British troops in Iraq, the Ministry of Defense reported.

In September 2003 the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment arrested several civilians in Iraq including Mousa. While in army detention Mousa died. Officials say a post mortem examination showed the cause of death was asphyxiation. Additionally the exam revealed that Mousa had suffered 93 injuries to his body.

"Overall, the conduct of tens of thousands of our people in Iraq has been exemplary; it is a tiny number who have caused a stain on the reputation of the British Army," Browne said in a statement.

"But that does not mean we can allow these events to pass without looking into them thoroughly. I hope this independent inquiry will reassure the public that no stone has been left unturned. The Army and the Ministry of Defense will be giving the fullest cooperation to this inquiry."

Browne did not release details of the inquiry but said that the findings would be published upon conclusion.