RICHMOND, Va. - A federal appeals court has begun hearing an appeal from CACI, a military contractor ordered to pay $42 million for its role in the torture of detainees at Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison. This comes after a trial revealed horrifying instances of abuse, including beatings and sexual mistreatment, experienced by former detainees during the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
In a civil lawsuit previously decided, three former detainees testified about their experiences, leading to a jury awarding them $3 million each in compensatory damages and $11 million each in punitive damages. The plaintiffs argued that while CACI’s interrogators did not directly inflict the abuse, they conspired with military police to facilitate harsh treatment.
Images released in 2004 showcased inhumane conditions, with detainees subjected to degrading treatment. Despite military investigations noting CACI's involvement, the contractor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The $42 million judgment matches the amount these plaintiffs sought, highlighting significant questions regarding accountability in military operations and the treatment of detainees.
