Iraq holding 26200 detainees, says minister

[bigtree]

Thursday, April 16, 2009

BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities are currently holding about 26,200 people in detention, including 782 minors and 422 women, Human Rights Minister Wejdan Mikhail said on Wednesday.

Mikhail made the announcement at a press conference in Baghdad where she cited the “most recent statistics” compiled by the ministry.

US forces are holding an estimated 12,800 Iraqi detainees after releasing some 3,000 people this year as part of a security pact signed in November that calls for all US troops to withdraw by the end of 2011.

“The main problem with the prisoners detained by the American army is bringing charges against them and bringing them before Iraqi judges,” she said, adding that many of the detainees have never been charged with anything.


report: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C04%5C16%5Cstory_16-4-2009_pg4_3

[bigtree]

1. ...