WAMU 88.5 : Morning Edition

Filed Under:

Northern Virginia Contractor Pays $5.2M Abu Ghraib Settlement

By: Marti Johnson // January 9, 2013
Play associated audio
comments

A Virginia defense contractor accused of conspiring to torture detainees at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq has reached a settlement in the case, the Associated Press reports.

Defense contractor L-3 Services has paid $5.28 million to 71 former inmates held at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison and other U.S.-run detention sites between 2003 and 2007.

The settlement in the case against L-3 Services, now a subsidiary of Engility Holdings Inc. of Chantilly, Va., marks the first successful effort by lawyers for former prisoners at the detention centers to collect money from a U.S. defense contractor. The former prisoners' lawsuits allege torture, including rape, beatings and guns aimed at the prisoners.

In 2006, L-3 provided more than 6,000 translators in Iraq under a $450 million dollar per year contract. Another contractor, Arlington-based CACI, is expected to go to trial over similar allegations this summer.

Arts & Culture

NPR

Fictional 'Mothers' Reveal Facts Of A Painful Adoption Process

After years trying to conceive, novelist Jennifer Gilmore and her husband decided to adopt. What they thought would be a relatively simple process was instead a long and painful one. In her latest novel, Gilmore channels these autobiographical experiences into fiction.

Food

NPR

In Raw Milk Case, Activists See Food Freedom On Trial

Activists say the case against Wisconsin dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger is about raw milk — and much more. His supporters have turned the case into a rallying cry for personal food freedom and the rights of farmers and consumers to enter into private contracts without government intervention.

Politics

NPR

Fears Of Killing Immigration Bill Doomed Same-Sex Amendment

Amid warnings the proposal would shatter support for the measure, Democrats backed away from a provision that would allow gay U.S. citizens to sponsor foreign-born spouses for green cards. Advocates for gay and lesbian immigration rights accused Democrats of caving in to threats.

Technology

NPR

How That 'Nigerian Email Scam' Got Started

You've probably seen it in your inbox before: Someone who claims to have come into a fortune needs your help. You can share in the profits — if you send along a deposit or your bank account number. Boston Globe correspondent Finn Brunton talks about the history of the "Nigerian prince" or "419" scam, which actually got its start long before email.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.