Terry Issues Statement on Iraqi Prisoner Abuse

WASHINGTON - Representative Lee Terry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the recent allegations of abuse and misconduct by American forces in Iraq. Today the House passed H. Res. 628, deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq regardless of the circumstances of their detention, by a vote of 365 to 50.

"I am sickened by the images of our military abusing Iraqi prisoners. These actions are deplorable in-and-of themselves. It is even more so when we, as an American society, stand for justice and the protection of human rights. This abuse tears the very fabric of the values which make America great.

"This abuse not only degrades the prisoners and the Muslim culture, but ours as well. If these abuses sickened me and most Americans, think of the legitimate reaction of those in Iraq, the Middle East, and the world.
"It should also trouble Americans that this terrible episode is being exploited by certain Democrat partisans who wish to make it an election issue, trying to blame President Bush. Republicans and Democrats should stand arm in arm, condemning what occurred, apologize for the abuses, and demonstrate the decent values for which we all stand.
"I appreciate the President going on Arab television yesterday to directly address the Arab people. It is a good first step, but more must be done to rehabilitate our benevolent reputation.

"There needs to be an investigation into why this was allowed to happen, how is responsible and how we can set up a system to make sure that those holes that allowed this to happen are plugged. America should stand for nothing less.
"I think there needs to be a hard look at identifying those prisoners who were abused, and actively determining if they had taken part, if at all, in any terrorist conspiracy. If they are found to have done nothing wrong, they deserve to be released immediately and provided with restitution."