Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Soldier faces trial over shooting of Iraq boy

Pa News
Friday 02 July 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A British soldier will stand trial over the shooting of a young boy in Iraq, it was revealed today.

Private Alexander Johnston, of the 1st Battalion of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, has been charged with unlawful wounding.

Pte Johnston was on guard duty in al–Uzayr, south of Amarah, when the 13–year–old was shot last September.

The boy survived but the Ministry of Defence refused to give details of his condition, citing patient confidentiality.

Pte Johnston could face an alternative charge of "negligent handling of a weapon", the Attorney General's office said.

He is the fifth British soldier to be charged over events in Iraq.

Four Royal Fusiliers already face court martial over allegations that they abused Iraqis.

No date has yet been set for Pte Johnston's trial or preliminary hearing.

The venue for the trial is also undecided but a spokeswoman for Attorney General Lord Goldsmith said: "The general approach is these things should be held in Iraq."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in