Woman harnessed like a donkey

The Prime Minister's personal human rights envoy to Iraq has told the Standard that an Iraqi woman in her seventies was put in a harness, made to walk on all fours and ridden like a donkey by American troops.

Labour MP Ann Clwyd said she had thoroughly investigated the pensioner's claims over a period of several months and was satisfied they were true.

"It is appalling," she said. "I have followed up the case with everyone you can possibly imagine." Ms Clwyd said the abuse occurred last year in the notorious Abu Ghraib prison and at another coalition detention centre. The woman was arrested last July, accused of having links to a former member of the regime - which she strenuously denies.

"She was held for about six weeks before being released without charge," said Ms Clwyd. "During that time she was insulted and told she was a donkey. A harness was put on her and an American rode on her back."

The woman suffered no lasting physical injury but remains psychologically traumatised-Her money, pension book, jewellery and identity papers were also taken, although they have since been returned.

Ms Clwyd said: "I have taken the case up with everybody with responsibility and they said that they would look into it. I am satisfied she is telling the truth." The abuse breaches Muslim taboos against the abuse of women and the elderly. Ms Clwyd became involved because the woman's relatives are British.

Members of the family have told Ms Clwyd that two US soldiers have been arrested but she has been unable to confirm this.