Release Ceremony for Almost 500 Detainees Overseen by Iraqi PM

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Maj. Elizabeth Robbins

[SandRat]

Released detainees sit to hear words of encouragement from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during today’s detainee release ceremony at Camp Liberty. Nearly 500 men were released after the Combined Review and Release Board determined they are no longer a threat to Iraqi or Coalition forces, or the security of Iraq. Photo by Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, Multi-National Force-Iraq Public Affairs.

CAMP LIBERTY — A detainee release ceremony here today at Forward Operating Base Constitution highlighted the expanded capacity of the Government of Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq to release detainees from Coalition Force custody.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki oversaw the morning ceremony marking the release of just under 500 detainees.  He addressed the waiting men and emphasized the release effort was a positive step forward for the nation.  “You are Iraqi citizens and your family is waiting for you to help rebuild the country… the schools, the houses, and the factories.” 

The release was part of an effort to foster goodwill and reconciliation for the country.  “Leave the sectarian violence and rejoin your family and reconstruction.  Your country is waiting for you,” Maliki said.

Increased numbers of detainees have been released since just before the holy month of Ramadan began in mid-September.  Approximately 50 detainees have been released per day with approximately 6,300 detainees released to date, according to Army Capt. Lynn Chapp with Task Force 134, the organization responsible for detainee operations here.

“The review and release process is rigorous, and detainees are released when they are no longer considered a threat to Iraqi or Coalition forces, or the security of Iraq,” said Chapp. 

Reporters were provided information about the Combined Review and Release Board (CRRB), which is an administrative review held for every detainee within six months of their arrival and periodically throughout detention.  The board is comprised of Iraqi government officials and senior Coalition Force officers who are responsible for the review of each detainee’s case within the specific timeline, consistent with the principles of Article 78 of Geneva Convention IV.

If the board determines that a detainee poses an imperative threat to security and stability here, the detainee is notified of the reasons in writing, and the case set for another review within six months.  All detainees are afforded the opportunity to communicate with the CRRB.

Following the ceremony, Maliki briefly discussed this process with reporters and confirmed that a general amnesty will not be provided to all detainees.  “We are not going to give amnesty to anyone who has been criminally involved in crimes,” he said.

In addition to the CRRB, a separate board reviews each detainee case after 18 months of detention.  The Joint Detention Review Committee (JDRC), comprised of Iraqi government officials and senior Coalition Force officers, is unique in that the presumption is in favor of release.  Should further detention be recommended, the detainee as well as the detainee’s family are provided notice of the decision. 

A new program, implemented in July, also involves families in order to deter detainees from engaging in future misconduct against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces. 

“Some individuals had found a guarantor who guarantees the detainee will comply with his pledge against future misconduct,” said Chapp.  If an Iraqi judge certifies the detainee’s guarantorship and, if the detainee engages in future misconduct, the guarantor may also be held liable before the Iraqi courts.

A number of the released men had participated in programs to assist them in the reconstruction effort following their release.  To address illiteracy and unemployment, a basic education program for all detainees was created to provide classes in Arabic, English and Math.  In addition, many adult detainees received hands-on training in carpentry, brick-making and welding. 

Mohammad Tariq Jameel, 22, of Fallujah, thanked the Prime Minister and the US Army for the opportunity to learn while he was detained at Camp Bucca.  “I did not know how to read and write before I came here, and thank God, I can now even read the Koran.” 

After 11 months of detention, Adel Khalaf Abbas, 36, of Fallujah, said he is very glad to return to his nine children.  “My plans are to go back to my family, see what the terrorists destroyed and to teach my children what freedom is and to be close to our religion.”  He further explained, “I want them to get an education, and I want them to grow up in front of me day by day.”

In Other Recent Developments around Iraq:

(Story by Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, Multi-National Force-Iraq Public Affairs)

•           Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained nine suspects Wednesday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda and foreign terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

•           Coalition forces killed three terrorists and discovered a weapons cache and an alleged detention facility during a multi-day operation Nov. 3-5 targeting al-Qaeda and foreign terrorist networks south of Samarra.

Press Releases

• Weapons caches found in Arab Jabour
• Hundreds of Iraqis treated in medical operation (Al Buaytha)
• ected extremist caught during Iraqi Police recruitment drive in Doura
• Unit engages al-Qaeda element, kills one (Salman Pak)
• Multi-National Division – Center Soldier attacked
• Iraqi Army prevents suicide attack near Ghalibiyah

[SandRat]

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[Stonewall Jackson]

If these guys go home and live happy and fruitful lives, then I am happy for them. But if they pick up arms and try to kill Americans or their fellow countrymen again, then they should be shot and buried in a trench filled with pig guts.

[marlon]

I agree but I think we know what’s going to happen. A good majority of them are going to go right back to blowing things up. Like the scorpian said to the frog when asked...why did you sting me I gave you a safe ride across the river...to with wit the scorpion replied....hey I’m a scorpion, that’s what we do.