Abu Ghraib abuser sentenced

A US Army reservist who appeared in several infamous abuse photos taken by guards at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison was jailed for six months today for her role in the scandal.

The sentence for Spc Sabrina Harman came a day after she was convicted on six of the seven counts she faced for mistreating detainees at the Baghdad jail in late 2003.

She had faced a maximum of five years in prison, though prosecutors asked the jury to give her three years.

With credit for time served, Harman’s actual sentence will be just over four months.

Harman, aged 27, of Lorton, Virginia, was the second US soldier tried and convicted in the scandal.

During today’s sentencing hearing, she tearfully apologised for mistreating Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib.

“As a soldier and military police officer, I failed my duties and failed my mission to protect and defend,” Harman said, her voice cracking.

“I not only let down the people in Iraq, but I let down every single soldier that serves today.

“My actions potentially caused an increased hatred and insurgency towards the US, putting soldiers and civilians at greater risk. I take full responsibility for my actions. The decisions I made were mine and mine alone.”