The judge in the court martial of three British soldiers accused of abusing Iraqi detainees urged public figures on Thursday to avoid commenting on the case. His appeal follows statements this week by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and army chief Sir Mike Jackson. "I would like to make an appeal that no public statements be made with regard to this trial," Judge Advocate Michael Hunter told the court, although he made clear he was not singling out Blair or any other figure.
Hunter said there were some circumstances when comment might be appropriate and that the gravity of the accusations meant some comment was probably inevitable, but he urged great restraint.
"The prime minister could not have sensibly refused to make a statement," Hunter said. "But I would ask that great care be taken by those who find it necessary to make statements not to say anything that might prejudice the trial."
Earlier, the trial was adjourned for legal arguments though it has now resumed. A Blair spokesman in London told reporters the adjournment was due to a defence application.
Photos emerged during the military trial on Tuesday showing naked Iraqi men apparently forced to simulate sex, one of the accused British soldiers standing on a detainee bound in netting and another seemingly beating a man on the ground. Corporal Daniel Kenyon and lance corporals Darren Larkin and Mark Cooley face a variety of charges, including battery, indecency and disgraceful conduct.