Honor

    

Abuse whistleblower 'disciplined'
From correspondents in Washington
May 22, 2004

THE US Army has reportedly taken disciplinary action against a soldier in military intelligence who alleged the army was trying to cover up the extent of the Iraqi prison scandal.

Earlier this week, Sergeant Samuel Provance told America's ABC television that dozens of soldiers had been involved in the abuse at Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad. Only seven have been charged so far.

Today, ABC quoted Sgt Provance as saying that he had been stripped of his security clearance and told he may face prosecution over his comments.

Sgt Provance said he had been transferred to a different platoon and his record was officially "flagged", meaning he cannot be promoted or given awards or honours.

He said he was told he would face administrative action for failing to report what he knew at the time and for failing to take steps to stop the abuse.

"I see it as an effort to intimidate Sergeant Provance and any other soldier whose conscience is bothering him, and who wants to come forward and tell what really happened at Abu Ghraib," the soldier's lawyer, Scott Horton, was quoted as saying.

» The Australian: Abuse whistleblower 'disciplined' [May 22, 2004]