More than 1,000 protesters burned a British flag and the regional administration in Iraq’s main southern province severed all ties with British authorities over video footage showing British soldiers allegedly beating and kicking Iraqi youths.

More than 1,000 protesters burned a British flag today and the regional administration in Iraq’s main southern province severed all ties with British authorities over video footage showing British soldiers beating and kicking Iraqi youths two years ago.

Anger over the alleged abuse of Iraqis by British forces prompted Basra Provincial Council to sever relations with the British on Tuesday, while two purported victims demanded compensation from London.

At least two Iraqis claiming to have been beaten by British soldiers during a 2004 demonstration today said that they would take legal action against the British military and seek compensation.