Briton Cleared in Iraq Abuse Case

LONDON — Investigators from the British and U.S. militaries have cleared a British officer of allegations that he mistreated prisoners of war in Iraq, the Ministry of Defense said Monday.

Ministry of Defense police concluded that no criminal proceedings should be undertaken against Col. Tim Collins, who made headlines on the eve of war with a stirring speech to his unit, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment.

The investigation was prompted by a U.S. soldier who alleged that Collins’ treatment of prisoners of war and an Iraqi civic leader may have violated the Geneva Convention.

The Ministry of Defense said U.S. military police were involved in the investigation and had also concluded that no action should be taken against Collins, who was recently promoted from the rank of lieutenant colonel.