A Danish intelligence officer and four military policemen have been charged with abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Danish headquarters in southern Iraq.
Danish reserve Captain Annemette Hommel and the four other soldiers could face up to one year in prison if found guilty of breaking military law during interrogations last year, the army said today.
Cpt Hommel was sent home in July from Iraq, before her tour of duty was up, after former unit colleagues complained about the way she interrogated prisoners. She has denied the abuse.
Army investigators have said Cpt Hommel subjected Iraqi prisoners to ill-treatment including verbal humiliation, forcing them to maintain painful postures and restricting access to food, water and toilets.
The investigation has sent shockwaves through Denmark, where many people still support the centre-right government's backing of the US-led campaign in Iraq.
Denmark has around 500 troops stationed near the southern city of Basra.
The charges against Danish soldiers follow prosecutions of US personnel for abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib jail, and against British soldiers in southern Iraq.