Iraq calls for independent inquiry into US murder claims

IRAQ’S prime minister yesterday called for an independent investigation into an alleged rape-murder by US soldiers and said the immunity of coalition troops from Iraq prosecution should be reviewed.

The uncle of the girl who allegedly was raped before she and her family were killed said the family didn’t believe Americans were involved until the US military announced an investigation last week.

Ahmed Taha said neighbours initially said they thought insurgents had killed Abeer Qassim Hamza, along with her father, mother and a younger sister.