50 detainees released from Iraqi, U.S. custody

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Family members rejoice after being reunited with their loved ones, who were released from U.S. and Iraqi detention facilities as a goodwill gesture during Ramadan, which began Sept. 13 in Iraq.


50 detainees released from Iraqi, U.S. custody
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, October 16, 2007


Fifty more detainees were released last week in Iraq as part of a program where a family member is held liable if the person slips up.

The release was one of several done just before and during Ramadan, the monthlong Muslim holiday that began Sept. 13 in Iraq.

The detainees were a security risk to Iraqis and coalition forces at one point but are no longer a threat, a military spokeswoman said in a release issued Sunday.

“Not all (detainees) have to have a guarantor, but as part of the program we’re trying to find one for each of them,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Angela Webb, deputy public affairs officer for Task Force 134.

“We’re not just going to keep them if they don’t have a guarantor. If they’re not a security risk anymore, we’ll let them go.”

While they’re held, detainees have the chance to work if they want to and pursue educational opportunities, officials say. They can send money earned to their families as well as have relatives visit them.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49530




uhc comment: Task Force 134 is charged with detainee command and control, ensuring due process and assisting Iraq rebuild its judicial, correctional and law enforcement system. --> http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10579&Itemid=128