No charges for troops who beat up Iraqis after riot

The video, showing young Iraqi civilians being punched, kicked and headbutted by troops, was accompanied by a leering commentary.

The violence was filmed by a soldier in April 2004 and broadcast by the BBC in February 2005.

The footage sparked outrage in the Middle East, and prompted Basra's provincial council to suspend relations with British forces.

Following an inquiry by the army's special investigation branch, nine men from the 1st Battalion, Light Infantry were referred to the Army Prosecuting Authority.

But it emerged yesterday that the APA decided the men should not face a court martial over the incident in Al-Amarah.

The APA said the video appeared to show that "four Iraqi civilians had been snatched from a rioting crowd and brought inside a military compound, where they were assaulted". But immediately before the rioters were taken into the compound, the unit had been attacked with mortars and pelted with stones by the mob.

Giving reasons for the decision in a statement, the APA said there was enough evidence to charge two of the soldiers with assault by battery, but because the offence has a six-month time limit, no charge could be brought after October 2004.