[JURIST] Britian's military court service announced Monday that the seven British soldiers facing court-martial over alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners will not stand trial until next year. The charges against the men relate to treatment of Iraqi prisoners being held in Basra between September 13-15, 2003. Among those that will stand trial are Queen's Lancashire Regiment [official website] commanding officer Col. Jorge Mendonca, who is charged with failing to ensure that Iraqi prisoners were being properly looked after, and corporal Donal Payne, who has been charged with the unlawful killing of detainee Baha Mousa [BBC report], the abuse of eight other detainees and for perverting the course of justice. The UK Press Association has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

• UK soldiers facing court-martial for Iraqi war crimes
• Ex-UK defense chiefs argue against trying British soldiers for Iraq conduct
• British officer could face court martial for war crimes
• Court authorizes judicial inquiry into alleged killing of Iraqi civilian by UK troops