Preliminary UN probe discards Haiti sex assault

[Bacchus39]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20110905/cb-haiti-un-investigation/


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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A preliminary U.N. investigation has found no evidence for allegations that Uruguayan peacekeepers raped an 18-year-old man, Uruguay's Defense Ministry says, but the troops broke rules by having a civilian in their barracks.

The incident, captured on a widely broadcast cell phone video, has created outrage in Haiti and aggravated mistrust between Haitians and the U.N. peacekeeping mission. Haitian President Michel Martelly has "vigorously condemned" the act, calling it "an "act that revolts the national conscience."

The Uruguayan military has removed its commander in Haiti and is pulling the peacekeepers involved back to Uruguay. A ministry announcement Sunday said those found to be directly responsible will be dishonorably discharged.

The jumpy cell phone video does not make clear if a rape occurred, but it shows several men in camouflage uniforms laughing as they pin down a young man on a mattress. The men seem to be saying "no problem" in Spanish as they hold the teen's arms and hands behind his back.