On the anniversary of Terry Lloyd’s death
Over on the other side, I’m supporting the international campaign in response to the unlawful killing of ITN journalist Terry Lloyd, a once familiar face on British TV news.
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the day US troops opened fire on the makeshift ambulance in which he was being transported. While the coroner returned a verdict of unlawful killing, and the soldiers responsible have been named by ITV News, no action has been taken.
Those who report from war zones do an important job and the apparent targeting of the media compromises the ability of those us fortunate enough to live in a peaceful democracy to come to an informed opinion on our own country’s role. Without a free press, the public relations industry would not be able to function. Joining in this lobby of MPs, the Attorney General and Foreign Secretary should be seen as a professional obligation.
Comments (One comment)
Terry Lloyd, Attorney General’s Office response:
Mr Newton,
Thank you for your email of 21 March 2007. I have been asked to reply.
The Attorney General has issued a written statement on the death of Terry Lloyd which you will find at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.uk.
Yours sincerely
Tim Strevens
Correspondence Unit
Attorney General’s Office
The text of that reply is as follows:
The death of Terry Lloyd
At the conclusion of the inquest into Terry Lloyd’s death, where a verdict that Mr
Lloyd was unlawfully killed was recorded, the Coroner, Mr Andrew Walker, wrote to the Attorney General. Mr Walker enclosed the documents that were used at the inquest and asked the Attorney to consider any steps that might be taken to bring those responsible for the death of Mr Lloyd before a court.
As it is alleged that Mr Lloyd was killed in Iraq by non-British nationals, the relevant offence capable of being tried in a UK court is section 1 of the Geneva Conventions Act 1957. The Attorney General has to consent to any prosecution which may be brought. Any decision to prosecute is made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) using the same Code for Crown Prosecutors (www.cps.gov.uk/victims_witnesses/code.html) tests they use in every case.
Accordingly the Attorney General sent the Coroner’s letter and enclosures to the
CPS for them to consider. The CPS has the case under active review and is assessing the evidence and deciding if there is any further investigation that they need before they can make a decision. They will report back to the Attorney General.
Stephen Newton / April 3rd, 2007, 9:37 am / #
Post a comment