After a week of deliberations, the jury in the first lawsuit brought by Abu Ghraib detainees against a U.S. contractor appears deadlocked.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema expressed concern on Wednesday that the jury may not reach a verdict.
The lawsuit centers on Reston, Virginia-based contractor CACI, which supplied civilian interrogators to the prison in 2003 and 2004.
Three former detainees allege CACI’s actions contributed to their mistreatment, even if its employees weren’t directly responsible. The infamous photos exposing U.S. soldiers’ abuse at Abu Ghraib erupted in 2004.
While numerous soldiers faced convictions, CACI denies wrongdoing and argues the Army bears responsibility.
The jury,deliberating longer than the trial itself, has focused heavily on the chain of command and CACI’s potential liability for its interrogators’ actions.
Judge Brinkema declined to provide definitive answers to the jury’s latest questions about key evidence, urging them to analyze it independently.
This follows a previous deadlock that saw the judge instruct them to continue working towards a consensus.
A hung jury would result in a mistrial, allowing the plaintiffs to seek a new trial with a fresh jury.
This landmark case,delayed for 15 years by legal battles, highlights the ongoing quest for accountability surrounding the Abu Ghraib scandal.
