UK soldier to stand trial over Iraq shooting
A UK soldier will stand trial over the shooting of a 13-year-old boy in Iraq, the Attorney General announced this afternoon.
Private Johnston, of the 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers, is charged with “unlawful wounding”.
This relates to an incident on September 15th, 2003 when a 13-year-old boy was wounded.
The boy’s current condition is not known.
It is understood that the incident occurred whilst Private Johnston was on guard duty in al Uzayr, southern Iraq.
Private Johnston will be the fifth UK soldier to face court martial over his actions in Iraq. The other four, from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, are charged in relation to alleged abuses of Iraqi civilians.
Neither the date nor location of trial are yet set, but it is believed that the trial may take place in Iraq.
