Britain is set to hold a public inquiry into claims that its soldiers have tortured and murdered Iraqi prisoners.

After British media outlets published reports stating that the military has covered up allegations of war crimes, Britain's secretary of defense was prompted to order an independent inquiry into the allegations.

Earlier, the British High Court had criticized an investigation report by the Royal Military Police (RMP) over similar allegations, as “not thorough and proficient” and “seriously flawed”.

The RMP report had cleared the troops, saying the allegations of abuse and torture were baseless.

The present inquiry will focus on the May 2004 incidents at the Battle of Danny Boy, when human rights advocates alleged that some of the 20 Iraqis allegedly killed on the battlefield were actually tortured to death by troops at a British base at Camp Abu Naji.

In response, the British Defence Ministry says it has established a Department of Judicial Policy Engagement to collect and prepare evidence of abuse for criminal trials.

FTP/HGL