Red Cross criticises allies over captives

The Daily Telegraph ^ | March 25, 2003 | Sandra Laville

[MadIvan]

The International Committee of the Red Cross accused coalition forces yesterday of failing to follow the Geneva Conventions in their treatment of prisoners of war.

As British and American anger over the parading of five American soldiers on Iraqi television continued unabated, the ICRC said the allies and the Iraqis should re-examine the way they handled PoWs.

Referring to Article 13 in the third convention, Florian Westphal, from the ICRC, said PoWs should at all times be humanely treated, protected particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against "insults and public curiosity".

He referred to photographs in the media last week which showed an Iraqi soldier in close-up being given water by American troops.

Neither side was treating PoWs in accordance with the convention, said Mr Westphal.

In a letter to The Telegraph today, Louise Christian, solicitor for three British detainees in Guantanamo Bay, said the US was breaching international law there. "On their original arrest Guantanamo detainees too were humiliated and paraded on TV manacled, shackled and hooded," she said.

[MadIvan]

This is outrageous. It is important to draw a distinction between the intrusiveness and curiousity of an independent media, and a media that is part and parcel of state policy. Any appearance of POWs on British and American screens is due to the former, any appearance of POWs on Iraqi TV is due to the latter.

Sod the Red Cross.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Texas_Jarhead]

un-freakin-believable and sickening

[Calpernia]

I don't recall any media coverage on our POWs...then again...I don't watch much TV. But if they are hooded...how do you identify them?

Maybe this was just an across the board slap to make a point to Iraq?

[jwalsh07]

Moral relativism at it's worse.

[sinkspur]

He referred to photographs in the media last week which showed an Iraqi soldier in close-up being given water by American troops.

This is why no one, but no one, should ever consider giving a dime to any branch of the Red Cross.

[zerosix]

Let's see, wasn't it the good ole Red Cross that was collecting all of that money for the 9/11 fund but didn't want to pass it all out - they just wanted to keep it for "later emergencies" but accepted the donations from people who were donating to the "9/11 Fund"?

[thoughtomator]

There are no PoWs at Guantanamo. What we did in Afghanistan is police action - arresting and killing criminals - not a war.

[Diogenesis]

Have they forgotten already? or was this just another chance to make money
(for computers, women, European trips, help for terrorists) for the Red Cross?

[Salvation]

**The International Committee of the Red Cross accused coalition forces yesterday of failing to follow the Geneva Conventions in their treatment of prisoners of war.**

Huh?

[Grampa Dave]

This Red Cross Bit$h should be Bit$h slapped.

This is another prime example of why the Red Cross is an anti American Organization and should never receive a single cent from any of us!

[Howlin]

He referred to photographs in the media last week which showed an Iraqi soldier in close-up being given water by American troops.

It's interesting that they object to pictures of compassion, isn't it?

[Salvation]

Pictures and stories on this thread can show the Red Cross the truth.

[FreedomCalls]

The criminals being held at Guantanamo are not PoWs according to the rules of the Geneva Conventions. To be considered a "prisoner of war" and receive the rights accorded therein, you must follow the rules.

[Salvation]

**This is why no one, but no one, should ever consider giving a dime to any branch of the Red Cross.**

Bump that thought, friend!

[AgThorn]

new low in so called political correctness ... not sure if Red Cross was on my donations list, but it is sure off for good now!!

[Salvation]

[merrin]

Well, between this and their anti-Semitism, I say %$&# 'em.

There are plenty of decent charitable organizations to support.

[Calpernia]

I see field shots. Field shots from our troops don't count. Surrendering is not yet a POW...I meant media shots of POWs. These guys weren't POWs yet.

[McGavin999]

I want to know who's funding the ICRC. It's time we stepped on their financing. If it's done with contributions, I'd be willing to bet that most of it comes from the US, if it comes from taxpayer dollars we need to do something to stop this ridiculous organization NOW.