Published: November 01, 2005

500 Security Detainees Released From Abu Ghraib

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ABU GHRAIB, Iraq - In the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, a day of rejoicing that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Iraqi Government requested a special release board and worked with Multi-National Force-Iraq to expedite the release of approximately 500 security detainees from Abu Ghraib Nov. 1.

These detainees were selected for release following a careful and thorough review of their files by a special Iraqi-led review board which determined they had not committed serious crimes against Iraqi Forces, the citizens of Iraq or Coalition Forces.

Deputy Prime Minister Abed Motlaq Al-Jabouri, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abdul Hussein Shandel and the Minister of Human Rights, Ms. Narmin Othman, were present for the release to emphasize the importance of being a good Iraqi citizen and provide support to the Iraqi government.

The special review board carefully reviewed detainee files and voted to release those not guilty of serious, violent crimes such as bombing, torture, kidnapping or murder. These detainees have confessed to their crimes, renounced violence and pledged to be good citizens of Iraq.

This release is an acknowledgment by the Iraqi government and MNF-I of the importance of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the day of joy and thanksgiving. The Iraqi government and MNF-I decided to release the detainees to allow them to be with families and loved ones on this day to help in the process of building a new Iraq.

This release marks another milestone achieved in the Iraqis' progress toward democratic governance and the rule of law.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq