Terror suspect suing the UK over a varicose vein after being held by British forces in Iraq
His claim for damages was yesterday put before the High Court in London by a law firm notorious for hounding our troops
A TERROR suspect is suing the UK over a varicose vein.
The Iraqi says he suffered it after being held by British forces there.
His claim for damages — eight years on — was put before the High Court in London by a law firm notorious for hounding our troops.
Phillippa Kaufmann, the QC hired by solicitors Leigh Day, demanded a payout from the Ministry of Defence for various ailments the man suffered.
Ms Kaufmann listed the alleged injuries to judge Mr Justice Leggatt: “Respiratory problems, broken tooth, varicose vein.
“He experienced pain in his right lung. He wouldn’t be claiming for it if he wasn’t sure.
“He suffered the ill-treatment during his detention. ZMS was detained in an operation.”
The court was told two of his countrymen are also suing — in cases that could cost taxpayers thousands if the judge lets them go ahead.
The varicose vein claimant was handed over to the Americans by our troops and held at the tough Camp Bucca.
His case would look at whether the MoD knew he risked having his human rights breached.
The lawsuit comes after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon hit out at “dubious” legal claims.
Mr Fallon said: “There is a pernicious industry trying to profit from dubious claims lodged against our Armed Forces years after the alleged incidents.
“We are determined to tackle it and this judgement, which will save the taxpayer millions, is a big step in the right direction. Defence spending should go on defence, not into lawyers’ pockets.”
So far more than 600 Iraqi citizens allege they suffered unlawful detention or physical maltreatment at the hands of British armed forces in Coalition forces in Iraq between 2003 and 2009.
These latest claims are part of a group of actions known as Iraqi Civilian Litigation.
In May hundreds of claims for damages were blocked by the Supreme Court.
But this latest hearing is understood to be one of two test cases, that could lead to these being resolved – depending on the outcome.
So far the MoD has so far paid out almost £20 million in damages in 324 cases.