CACI Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Abu Ghraib Prison Abuse

En esta imagen de finales de 2003 a la que The Associated Press tuvo acceso, se ve a un detenido no identificado de pie sobre una caja, con una bolsa sobre la cabeza y con alambres sujetos a su cuerpo

A military contractor, CACI, is facing a lawsuit from three survivors of the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, where a scandal erupted 20 years ago over the abusive treatment of detainees by U.S. soldiers. The plaintiffs allege that civilian interrogators supplied by CACI conspired with military police to mistreat detainees. CACI's defense argues that the plaintiffs should sue the U.S. government instead, claiming they were not directly responsible for the abuse.

The trial, a first of its kind involving Abu Ghraib abuse claims, saw arguments based on the 'borrowed servant doctrine,' suggesting that CACI's employees were under the Army's control during interrogations. However, evidence presented by the plaintiffs' lawyers contradicted this, showing that CACI was required to supervise its employees according to their contract with the Army.

The plaintiffs testified to severe abuse, including beatings and sexual assaults, but attributed the mistreatment to soldiers or unidentified civilians. Retired generals who investigated the scandal in 2004 testified that CACI interrogators engaged in misconduct. Despite convictions of soldiers involved in the abuse, CACI has not faced accountability.

Plaintiffs argue CACI should be held accountable for abuse at Abu Ghraib.

CACI accused of conspiring with military police in detainee mistreatment.

Trial examines 'borrowed servant doctrine' in relation to CACI's responsibility.

Plaintiffs present evidence contradicting CACI's defense of lack of responsibility.

Retired generals testify to CACI interrogators' misconduct during Abu Ghraib scandal.

Plaintiffs testify to severe abuse, attributing it to soldiers or unidentified civilians.

One incident highlighted in the trial involved an interrogator, Dan Johnson, whose actions were defended by CACI despite Army requests for his dismissal. The trial also faced delays due to legal disputes over immunity claims by CACI as a government contractor.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that the U.S. government cannot claim immunity in cases involving torture allegations, paving the way for the lawsuit against CACI to proceed. The trial's complexities, including classified evidence and lengthy audio recordings, added to the legal intricacies surrounding the case.