http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/ns/news/story.jsp?id=2005071909290002052027&dt=20050719092900&w=RTR&coview=BAGHDAD (Reuters) - More than two dozen doctors walked out of one of Baghdad's busiest hospitals on Tuesday to protest what they said was abuse by Iraqi soldiers, leaving about 100 patients to fend for themselves in chaotic wards.
Physicians said the troubles started when soldiers barged into a woman's wing at Yarmouk hospital, opened curtains and conducted searches as patients lay in their beds on Monday.
A 27-year-old internal medicine specialist said a soldier began intimidating and abusing him.
"Before he left he said, 'Why are you looking in disapproval?' Then he came and punched me lightly on my arm before sticking his rifle into my stomach and cocking it," the doctor, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, told Reuters.
"I stayed quiet but relatives of the patients told him to calm down before pulling him out of the room. Just then, four more soldiers came in and pointed a rifle at my head. At that point I became scared and begged them to leave me alone."
Ministry of Defense officials were not available for comment on the incident despite repeated requests.
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