Three former Abu Ghraib prisoners have been awarded a $42 million judgement against an American defense contractor, CACI Premier Technology, for electrocutions, beatings, and other abuses they suffered at the notorious prison operated by the U.S. military after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The men, a journalist, a middle school principal, and a fruit vendor, were directed to be tortured by CACI interrogators at the Baghdad prison’s “hard site.”
This verdict marks the first time private contractors have been found liable for torture at Abu Ghraib, where a dozen military personnel were previously convicted for their involvement in the abuses. The case against CACI has been ongoing since 2008 and will award each man $3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages.
Despite CACI’s denial of involvement in any crimes, the lawsuit details the brutal abuse suffered by the men during their time at the hard site. They were subjected to beatings, electrocutions, and threats with dogs, among other mistreatment. They were eventually released without being charged with any crimes.
The case was brought under the Alien Tort Statute, a 1789 federal law that allows foreigners to seek justice in U.S. courts for violations of international law. The attorney who brought the case emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their nationality, and described the verdict as a victory for humanity. The legal resolution of this case stands as an example of progress and accountability for some of America’s most horrific crimes in modern history.
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