Also see:     
AOL/Microsoft-Hotmail Preventing Delivery of Truthout Communications    [

    Justice Department Accused of Delaying Iraq Rape Inquiry
    By Elana Schor
    The Guardian UK

    Thursday 13 December 2007

    A US senator came forward today on behalf of the second woman in a week to allege rape by private contractors in Iraq, worsening a controversy that has already sparked a congressional hearing.

    Democratic senator Bill Nelson questioned whether the justice department had dragged its feet in the cases of an anonymous woman from Tampa, Florida, and Jamie Lynn Jones, a Texas woman who disclosed her rape charge to ABC news this week.

    Both women say they were sexually assaulted by employees of KBR, a former Halliburton subsidiary, in Iraq in 2005.

    Nelson wrote to attorney general Michael Mukasey to confirm reports that the US navy criminal investigative service (NCIS) had investigated the rape charge and told the justice department of its findings.

    He asked Mukasey whether more women have raised rape charges against private contractors and whether the government has responded.

    "Both of these incidents occurred approximately two years ago, yet no one has been charged in either case," Nelson wrote.

    "We need to know that there is a thorough and vigorous investigation in any and all of these cases."

    The Florida woman and Jones both filed civil lawsuits against KBR that are likely headed for arbitration rather than a public airing in court.

    However, after Jones contacted her congressman, Texas Republican Ted Poe, the judiciary committee in the House of Representatives made a public push for government action on her case.

    The committee plans a hearing next week on federal response to crimes committed against Americans working in Iraq.

    A spokeswoman for KBR declined to comment on the Florida woman's charge because the case is still ongoing but noted that the company disciplines any employee who violates its code of business conduct.

    "Any and all allegations related to inappropriate sexual behaviour are taken seriously and investigated immediately," the KBR spokeswoman said.

    The justice department said it is reviewing Nelson's letter, and the defence department did not return a request for comment.