Law Experts Launch Public Inquiry into Legality of Iraq War

Renowned International Law experts are gathering to examine what international law has to say about the decision of the UK, US and supporting nations to launch a full-scale military invasion on Iraq in 2003. On Saturday 8^th November 2003 from 10.00am – 6.00pm at the Old Theatre, LSE Theatre, London, a debate open to the public is to consider is whether Coalition powers could have breached international law in the conduct of military action against Iraq.

A panel of eight leading law experts from four countries including Ireland, Canada and France are set to debate pressing issues surrounding the decision to attack Iraq and the ensuing actions of the Coalition.

One topic of the debate is “Was it legal to go to war?” and other, more pressing, topics to be covered include the use of weapons such as cluster bombs and depleted uranium, the targeting of civilian buildings, and the conduct of the ongoing occupation of Iraq.

Dr Andrew Williams, from the Department of Law at the University of Warwick, said: “We don’t know if war crimes have been committed or if global laws have been violated, but there are troublesome aspects that deserve examination and inquiry.”

Experts and eyewitnesses will be drawn on throughout the day to present evidence to the panel on each issue. The debate is free, and members of the public are welcome to attend. There will be opportunities for the audience to pose questions.

For more information contact: Dr Andrew Williams, Department of Law, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 5 24996, Mobile: 07813760568, Email: A.T.Williams@warwick.ac.uk, or Jenny Murray, Communications Office, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 574 255, Mobile: 07876 217740, Email: jennifer.murray@warwick.ac.uk.

Members of public wishing to attend should contact: Solange Mouthaan, University of Warwick, Tel: 024 7657 3844, Email: S.Mouthaan@warwick.ac.uk

The event is co-organised by Peacerights, a committee of activists, and leading academic and practising lawyers.