England’s boyfriend was Abu Ghraib ‘ringleader’

A US ARMY investigator yesterday told a hearing for Private Lynndie England, accused of abusing Iraqi inmates, that her boyfriend was a “ringleader” at Abu Ghraib prison.

Two army investigators were among witnesses testifying yesterday, the third day of the hearing to determine whether England, the 21-year-old army reservist notoriously photographed holding a naked Iraqi prisoner on a leash, should face a court-martial.

England, who is pregnant with the child of her boyfriend, Corporal Charles Graner, faces 19 charges in connection with the abuse at Abu Ghraib and could be sentenced to up to 38 years in prison. Graner also faces charges in connection with the scandal.

Army special agents Manova Iem and Tyler Pieron, who investigated abuse claims at Abu Ghraib, testified by telephone at the hearing yesterday.

Iem said he had interviewed Iraqi victims of the abuse. During interviews “they had described a soldier who fit the description of specialist England,” he said, adding it “started usually during the evening,” when Graner, was in charge.

Pieron said he had spoken with Private Joseph Darby, who has been credited with bringing the abuse at Abu Ghraib to the attention of his superiors, resulting in a military investigation and crackdown.

“It was my impression talking to Darby, that Graner was the ringleader of the abuse,” said Pieron. “I believe Darby was afraid of him (Graner).”

At the end of the hearing, expected later this week, judge Colonel Denise Arn will determine if England should face a court-martial.