By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, DC – U-S Senator Jeff Sessions introduced a law several years ago that subjects civilians to legal penalties if they commit crimes while accompanying military operations. It passed congress in 2000, and Sessions says he knows of no instance when the law has been used. However, that could change if the Justice Department finds American contractors also have abused and humiliated captured Iraqis. Investigators are exploring the possibility that some American civilians were involved in the abuse. Meanwhile, the Army reports there are 20 active investigations into prisoner deaths and assaults.