Ex-detainees 'allege abuse at US Afghan base'

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

LONDON (AFP) — Former detainees of the Bagram air base in Afghanistan have alleged a catalogue of abuse at the US military facility, the BBC reported Wednesday, after a two-month investigation.

Ex-inmates listed mistreatment including beatings, sleep deprivation and being threatened with dogs at the base north of Kabul, said the broadcaster.

"They did things that you would not do against animals, let alone to humans," said one former detainee, identifed as Dr. Khandan, while another described having a gun put to his head and being threatened with death.

The detainees were held in Bagram between 2002 and 2008. They were all accused of belonging to or helping Al-Qaeda or the Taliban, but no charges were brought and some received apologies when released.

The...