Gerlach supports resolution condemning the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners
Washington,
May 6, 2004 -
The House of Representatives passed a resolution Thursday calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners being held at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad as first reported by national media outlets earlier in the week.
“We’re all outraged by these allegations of abuse by a few misguided soldiers who apparently decided to ignore the laws of decency for their own personal gratification,” said Rep. Jim Gerlach. “But these unfortunate incidents should not deter us from realizing the ultimate goal of a free, stable and democratic Iraq. And I stand behind and support fully our troops and our president’s efforts in achieving these goals.”
H.Res. 627 resolution also calls on the Secretary of the Army to conduct a full and thorough investigation into any and all allegations of mistreatment or abuse of detainees in Iraq and then take all corrective actions necessary within the military chain of command to ensure actions like these do not happen again.
The resolution also calls upon the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice to ensure that their actions are not allowed to impugn the integrity of the United States Armed Forces or undermine the United States mission in Iraq.
“Those individuals who participated in these egregious actions at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad should be punished appropriately,” Rep. Gerlach said. “But we should remember that the vast majority of the members of the Armed Forces serving in Iraq have upheld the highest possible standards of professionalism and morality in the face of illegal tactics and terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives.”
The resolution passed the House Thursday by a 365 to 50 vote.
