Historic Verdict: CACI International Held Liable for Abu Ghraib Torture

A federal jury found CACI International liable for its role in the torture of Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison during the Iraq war, ordering the U.S. defense contractor to pay $42 million in damages. This landmark decision marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held accountable for such torture.

In a landmark decision, a federal jury has held CACI International responsible for its involvement in the torture of Iraqi detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison during the Iraq war. The jury's decision, announced on Tuesday, mandates the Virginia-based defense contractor to pay $42 million in damages.

According to the verdict, CACI was found liable for the torture of prisoners at the facility in 2003-2004, with each of the three plaintiffs receiving $14 million. The Center for Constitutional Rights, representing the plaintiffs, confirmed this is the first instance a civilian contractor is held legally accountable for such actions.

CACI, denying the involvement of its employees in torture, has announced plans to appeal the judgment, calling it disappointing. Meanwhile, the associated scandal during the Bush administration brought global attention and condemnation to the actions at Abu Ghraib, heavily tainting the U.S. war effort.

(With inputs from agencies.)