[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 8383-8384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            IRAQI PRISONERS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, over the past week we have become aware--
indeed, the entire world has learned of the graphic evidence--of abuse 
against Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison. We express shock; we 
express condemnation of these despicable acts. That has been expressed 
on the floor--indeed, throughout the Nation.
  The persons who carried these acts out must face justice. The 
perpetrators have disgraced themselves and, in the process, have 
brought shame to all of us who cherish justice and decency and dignity.
  Moreover, their behavior is deeply un-American. This country is 
founded on those universal principles of human rights and respect for 
each and every individual. Those disturbing pictures show men and women 
who have abandoned America's values and, in the process, jeopardized 
our efforts to bring democracy and the rule of law to Iraq.
  Thousands of honorable men and women are working and sacrificing each 
and every day to bring peace and freedom to the Iraqi people. We cannot 
let these intolerable acts of a few undermine the noble work of the 
overwhelming majority of our troops.
  The abusers of Abu Ghraib must face justice and they will face 
justice. In March, the Army charged 6 military police officers with 
physical and sexual abuse of 20 Iraqi prisoners. Three of the six cases 
have been referred to military trial. The criminal probe into 
allegations against four other soldiers is continuing. In total, our 
military has launched five separate investigations. An administrative 
review has resulted in notices of reprimand filed against seven 
officers and noncommissioned officers this week. The inspector general 
of the Army and the commander of the Army Reserve are also conducting 
their own investigations.
  I commend President Bush for his efforts to reach out to the Arab 
world to address this matter. It is important that we address these 
reprehensible acts directly and fully and quickly and in a fully 
transparent manner.
  Our men and women in uniform are respected around the world. They are

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respected for their professionalism and because they defend the highest 
of political ideals: individual rights, freedom, justice, and the rule 
of law. In Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, and elsewhere, our troops 
are serving with honor, with courage, and with professionalism to 
advance democracy and to advance liberty.
  As the Abu Ghraib investigations unfold, I do urge my colleagues and 
everyone watching and listening to keep that in mind. The vast majority 
of our men and women in uniform are serving ably and honorably, and 
through their heroic efforts, they are advancing our freedoms and 
values.

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