Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

“The US remains tainted by widespread allegations of torture that started with sickening pictures from Abu Ghraib. The UK armed forces must ensure that today’s pictures do not damage its reputation in the same way.

“Justice must be done and be seen to be done. The Iraqi people must know that UK troops are not above the law. Anyone involved in torture or abuse must be held fully to account.

“International law demands full, independent investigations into any alleged human rights abuses by UK armed forces. The present system – the army investigating the army using the Royal Military Police – is simply not good enough.”