A U.S. jury has awarded $42 million to former Abu Ghraib detainees, holding a Virginia-based military contractor responsible for their mistreatment.
At a Glance
- Three Iraqi victims awarded $42 million in damages against defense contractor CACI
- Plaintiffs testified to experiencing beatings, sexual abuse, and forced nudity
- CACI plans to appeal, stating no employee has been charged in relation to Abu Ghraib events
- Verdict seen as a measure of justice after 15 years of legal delays
Jury Awards Damages to Abu Ghraib Victims
In a landmark decision, a U.S. jury has awarded $42 million in damages to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, and held Virginia-based military contractor CACI responsible for their torture and mistreatment. The verdict comes after nearly two decades of legal battles and is a significant step towards accountability for the infamous abuses that occurred during the Iraq War.
The plaintiffs, Talib al-Majli, Suhail Al Shimari, and Salah Al-Ejaili, were each awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. The men testified to horrific treatment at the prison, including beatings, sexual abuse, and forced nudity. The case, filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, marks the first time a U.S. jury has heard claims from Abu Ghraib survivors since the scandal broke 20 years ago.
A U.S. jury awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib prison, holding the Reston, Virginia, military contractor CACI responsible for contributing to their torture and mistreatment two decades ago. https://t.co/pdIpLHhHA5
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) November 12, 2024
CACI’s Role and Response
The lawsuit argued that CACI’s interrogators conspired with military police to “soften up” detainees for questioning. However, the plaintiffs did not allege direct abuse by CACI employees, who have expressed disappointment at the verdict and said they plan to appeal.
“For nearly two decades, CACI has been wrongly subjected to long-term, negative affiliation with the unfortunate and reckless actions of a group of military police at Abu Ghraib prison from 2003 through 2004. To be clear: no CACI employee has ever been charged — criminally, civilly, or administratively — in this matter. CACI employees did not take part in nor were any of our employees responsible for these disturbing events,” a statement from the company said.
The awarded amount matched the plaintiffs’ demand and exceeded the $31 million CACI was paid for supplying interrogators to Abu Ghraib. The company argued it wasn’t complicit, claiming minimal interaction with the plaintiffs and discrepancies in their stories.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Victims
For the plaintiffs, the long-awaited result was welcomed. Evidence presented during the trial included reports from retired Army generals indicating CACI interrogators’ complicity in the abuse.
“Today is a big day for me and for justice. I’ve waited a long time for this day. This victory isn’t only for the three plaintiffs in this case against a corporation. This victory is a shining light for everyone who has been oppressed and a strong warning to any company or contractor practicing different forms of torture and abuse,” Mr. Al-Ejaili stated.
The Abu Ghraib scandal drew worldwide condemnation in 2003 after photographs documenting the harsh and inhumane treatment of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. military personnel were published. The images sparked debate about the ethics of interrogation practices in conflict zones.
