Iraqis denounce the alleged abuses

Iraqis on Sunday condemned amateur video footage allegedly showing British troops abusing Iraqi civilians.

Photo: Iraqis denounce the alleged abuses

On the streets of Basra, there was widespread condemnation.

"We hope that the occupation troops would get out of the country today, not tomorrow, because they launch random arrests against citizens in Basra", one said. "In fact when we see the picture (the video tape) we were shocked and this reminds us of Saddam's police," the other said.

As the footage was aired around the world on Sunday, Iraqis watching television in a cafi in central Baghdad, also condemned it.

"This a criminal act and it contravenes the human rights which they stand by," it said.

It was unclear how news of the video will impact upon relations between British troops in southern Iraq and locals, reports Xinhua.

I.L.