Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Iraq still operating secret torture site

Iraq has betrayed promises to close notorious detention centre, group claims
Iraq is still holding prisoners at a detention facility that has been at the centre of torture allegations despite Baghdad having said it closed it a year ago, according to Human Rights Watch.

15 May 2012 - The New York-based group called for Baghdad to start an independent investigation into allegations of torture and mistreatment, as well as other issues, at Camp Honour and other jails.

"Iraqi security forces are grabbing people outside of the law, without trial or known charges, and hiding them away in incommunicado sites," said Joe Stork, HRW's deputy Middle East director.

"The Iraqi government should immediately reveal the names and locations of all detainees, promptly free those not charged with crimes, and bring those facing charges before an independent judicial authority."

HRW said 14 officials, lawyers and detainees it interviewed said individuals had been held recently at Camp Honour, the apparent closure of which was announced by Justice Minister Hassan al-Shammari in March 2011.

It also said judicial investigators were still carrying out interrogations at the facility. read more>>>


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