CACI Ordered to Pay $42 Million for Abu Ghraib Abuse

A U.S. jury awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, holding defense contractor CACI International liable for its role in their abuse during the Iraq War. This landmark verdict marks the first time a private contractor has been held accountable for human rights abuses at the facility, which became infamous for its torture practices after the release of graphic photographs in 2004. The plaintiffs, who detailed severe mistreatment including sexual abuse and physical torture, argued that CACI's interrogators conspired with military personnel to facilitate the abuses. Each plaintiff received $3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. The case, which has been ongoing since 2008, reflects a significant step towards accountability for actions during the U.S. military's post-9/11 operations. This trial comes after a previous attempt resulted in a hung jury, emphasizing the complexities surrounding legal accountability for military contractors.