Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called for an independent investigation into the rape of an Iraqi woman and the subsequent murder of her and three members of her family. A former American soldier has been arrested and charged with the crime. The American military's investigation into the incident is continuing and other Americans may be arrested when the inquiry is complete.
During a visit to Kuwait, al-Maliki told reporters at a press conference, 'Yes, we will demand an independent Iraqi inquiry, or at least a joint investigation with multinational forces.'
'We do not accept the violation of Iraqi people's honor as happened in this case. We believe that the immunity granted to international forces has emboldened them to commit such crimes in cold blood and ... there must be a review of this immunity.'
This case is the fifth incident being investigated by U.S. forces in recent months in which Americans are accused of murdering Iraqi civilians.
'We stress the need for an (Iraqi) presence in the investigations in the crimes committed against the Iraqi people,' al-Maliki said. 'This is one of several issues we will discuss with the multinational forces' leadership to find solutions to such practices.'
Al-Maliki said that the incident would not cause an early withdrawal of American troops. 'No, this is a case that needs solving, needs a pause, and needs an investigation but the issue of the presence of the forces and their pullout cannot be subject to such a thing even though we condemn, denounce and reject this. The presence of the forces and their withdrawal is bigger than this issue.'
Talks between the U.S.-backed Iraqi government and American forces are expected shortly to determine what role Iraq will play in investigating the incident.
