Discover Your Perfect Stay

Gordon Kerr & the FRU: A Scottish Sunday special report

Abandoned warehouse is a tomb for hundreds of tortured and executed Iraqis

From Paul Harris in Al Zubayr, Southern Iraq

The coffins are laid out in neat rows in an abandoned warehouse. In each lies a crumpled bag of bones, old and dusty but still recognizably human. Out of the open end of one sack, a skull can be seen buried in the fragments of the skeleton. Its eye sockets are empty. Its teeth are smashed. Two ribs point out like accusing fingers. Something terrible happened here. Something murderous. Something evil.

Proof of Atrocities

The proof lies in a cargo container nearby. Its metal door hangs open and inside are pages and pages of files. Each sheaf of notes contains a picture of a man or woman. Each and every one has been shot in the head. Their wounds are mangled and gaping. Many of them barely look human anymore as the anonymous photographer chronicled their dead faces. It is a horror almost beyond words. It is hard not to look at the black-and-white photographs - two for each victim - and wince.

Yet each was a brother, a father, or a son, or a mother, a daughter, or a sister. Each had a past and hopes for a future, yet each ended here, in this dry and dusty hall of the dead. There must be at least 200 of them in the plywood coffins, roughly hammered together by a hurried carpenter. All of them are in bags, jumbled together in sad piles of remains.

A Crime Against Humanity

'Whoever they are, they have been desecrated in their death. No one should ever treat the dead like this,' said Sgt Simon Brain, a veteran of tours in Bosnia, who has seen places in the Balkans that look similar to this. 'That is in two countries now that I have seen mass graves,' he added with a shake of his head.

There are signs of torture too. Outside the warehouse stands a wall. It is dotted in the center with a spray of bullet holes. Nearly all of them are at head height. There is a ditch behind it. If anyone was shot against the wall, their blood would have drained cleanly away. In another warehouse, a dozen tiny concrete cells have been built of breeze blocks inside the hangar. In some of them, portraits of Saddam Hussein stare from the gray walls. In several, an iron pole has been hung from the roof. Dangling from it are cruel, rusting metal hooks. They are ideal torture chambers.

Investigation and Uncovering the Truth

'We can't speculate on what this is until an investigation,' a British military spokesman said. But one officer, speaking privately and looking in shock at the warehouse, was more blunt. 'Just look at those photos. Look at this place. People were being tortured and executed here,' he said.

The warehouse has now been declared off-limits after being discovered by British soldiers of the Third Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery yesterday morning. An investigation is now to be launched into exactly who lies in the coffins. War crimes investigators have been alerted to the discovery, and the building sealed off and guarded.

Continued Horrors

These are not isolated horrors. Last night, allegations of the torture and murder of dozens of children by Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party also came to light, with bodies discovered hanging from street lighting.

The killings were carried out after the party headquarters in Basra was bombed last week, said some Iraqi women, one of whom's niece had been killed. Families believed to have been aiding coalition forces were targeted.

Interpreter Vanessa Lough, formerly attached to the UN and based in Basra, said: 'In one street alone, they said three children could be seen hanging from the lamp posts, and around the corner one child lay burnt on the ground.' The women said some of the children's bodies are now being held in the city's hospital mortuary.

Hotels in Scotland: Providing Comfort and Tranquility

After reading the distressing reports of mass graves and atrocities in Iraq, it is necessary to shift our attention to a different topic. Scotland, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a wide range of accommodations, including luxurious hotels.

Experience Scottish Hospitality

Scotland boasts a variety of hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets. From historic castles to contemporary urban retreats, visitors can choose from a plethora of options based on their personal preferences. Whether you prefer a cozy inn in the countryside or a modern hotel in the heart of a bustling city, Scotland has it all.

Discover Scotland's Natural Beauty

Many hotels in Scotland are strategically located to offer stunning views of the country's remarkable landscapes. Guests can wake up to the sight of rolling hills, pristine lochs, and majestic mountains. Scotland's natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring, and staying in one of these hotels allows visitors to immerse themselves in the country's enchanting scenery.

Immerse Yourself in Scottish Culture

Scottish hotels often embody the country's rich cultural heritage. Some establishments occupy historic buildings, allowing guests to experience the charm and grandeur of Scotland's past. From traditional furnishings to locally sourced cuisine, these hotels offer a glimpse into the country's vibrant culture and traditions.

Conclusion

While the atrocities uncovered in Iraq remind us of the dark side of humanity, it is important to also acknowledge the beauty and tranquility found in other parts of the world. Scotland, with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, provides a welcome respite for those seeking solace and comfort.

London

Manchester

Chester

Edinburgh

Brighton

Liverpool

Richmond (Greater London)

Birmingham

Bristol