The controversy arises from a five-year, £31m public inquiry into allegations of torture against British soliders that were held to be based largely on 'deliberate lies' by the judge leading the investigation. The Al-Sweady investigation found that the 'most serious allegations' were 'without foundation' - although there was some evidence of wrongdoing. The two firms involved are Leigh Day and Public Interest Lawyers (PIL). Criticism has been made over the late disclosure of a document showing the nine detainees to have been insurgents and the delay by their lawyers in withdrawing the allegations of torture and murder. As a result, the Solicitors' Regulation Authority is looking into possible breaches of professional standards. The authority is expected to complete its investigation by early next year.

NGO

PIL announced the creation of 'a new NGO, Public Intererst Lawyers International'. PIL founder Phil Shiner is becoming a professor of law practice at Middlesex University, to which the firm is becoming 'formally aligned'. Professor Shiner said: 'PIL International as an NGO will continue with campaigning work on behalf of individuals and groups around the world who want to make accountable governments and corporations which abuse power and commit serious human rights violations. In particular, PIL International will continue its important work with the International Criminal Court about the UK’s commission of war crimes in Iraq.'

Sources: Daily Telegraph; PIL