NEWS: U.S Release 1000 Prisoners From Abu Ghraib, page 1

posted on Aug, 27 2005 @ 02:49 AM

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Acting after requests from the Iraq Administration, the US has released nearly 1000 prisoners from the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The move followed appeals by Sunni representatives, for the government of Iraq to release thousands of prisoners who have not been charged with crimes after months of imprisonment. The appeals came at the constitutional talks in Iraq that have now stalled.

Newsday
After a meeting with President Jalal Talabani on Thursday, Sunni negotiator Saleh al-Mutlaq said the president had agreed to release many detainees before the October 15 referendum on the constitution.

Mutlaq said hundreds of detainees, mostly Sunni Arabs, were to be set free.

"This major release ... marks a significant event in Iraq's progress toward democratic governance and the rule of law," the US statement said.

"Those chosen for release are not guilty of serious, violent crimes - such as bombing, torture, kidnapping, or murder - and all have admitted their crimes, renounced violence, and pledged to be good citizens of a democratic Iraq."

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

This is surprising news but it seems that this is what it took to twist the arms of the Sunnis into agreeing with the new constitution. I wouldn't like to bet now that they still refuse to sing the documents.

It was not right to keep the prisoners without charges but the damage has been done already to these people. Many of them will harbour hatred against the coalition forces after the abuse scandals and other factors surrounding Abu Ghraib.

Related News Links:
www.usatoday.com
www.theage.com.au
seattletimes.nwsource.com

[edit on 27-8-2005 by Mayet]

kazi

posted on Aug, 27 2005 @ 11:19 AM

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If we'd have had anything on them inthe first place, other than they were standing around in their own neighborhoods, newly unemployed, they would never see the light of day. Now a big part of them will be shooting at our troops within days. hell, some of them were probably in the naked-ass, pile-on.

Jehosephat

posted on Aug, 27 2005 @ 09:21 PM

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So this is a prisoner exchange? with the sunnies agreeing to vote?

what kind of democracy is this where you can barter with prisoners?

Jamuhn

posted on Aug, 27 2005 @ 09:25 PM

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Originally posted by Jehosephat
what kind of democracy is this where you can barter with prisoners?

And I guess a democracy should only exist without Sunnis? I don't understand what you are saying.

It's damn right they should be released if they haven't been charged. And if they have done something wrong, then charge them!