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December 2, 2008 6:27:39 AM CST

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Brits Will Pay $4M to Iraqi Boy Paralyzed by Bullet

Posted Apr 15, 08 5:48 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Britain's Ministry of Defense has agreed to pay $4 million in compensation to an Iraqi boy accidentally shot by a British soldier, the Guardian reports. The boy, now 17, is paralyzed from severe spinal injuries inflicted when the soldier dropped his rifle at a Basra base in 2003. He is receiving round-the-clock care in Britain and will never be able to return to Iraq.

The payment is much higher than any awarded to any injured British soldier. The large amount is due to the level of negligence involved, said a government spokesman, who stressed that it was unlikely to set a precedent. "This is an isolated claim for negligence from a young boy who will require specialist care for the rest of his life," he said.

Source Guardian (UK)

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This image provided by Britain's Ministry of Defence shows British armoured vehicles one flying the Union Flag at Basra Palace in Basra, Iraq.   (AP Photo)
British soldiers stand to attention at a base in Basra.   (Getty Images)
British soldiers stand at attention at their base in Basra.   (Getty Images)
Britain is paying $4 million in compensation to an Iraqi boy accidentally shot by a British soldier.   (Getty Images)
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Iraq • Basra • British military • British Army • negligence • compensation • Ministry of Defence


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