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The Iraqi Ministry of Justice in coordination with Coalition forces has announced the release of 238 security detainees from Abu Ghraib and Camp Bucca detention facilities ahead of the Iraqi national election. This release, which follows the release of more than 200 detainees on December 4, is part of an ongoing effort between the Multi-National Forces and the Iraqi Transitional Government to make expeditious and judicious assessments of the status of detainees.
Today's release of 238 detainees is part of the Iraqi Transitional Government's and the Coalition's efforts to foster peace and stability in Iraq, while ensuring due process during internment.
The decision to release a detainee is reached through a review by the Combined Review and Release Board (CRRB), comprised of representatives from the Iraqi Government and the Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I). The releases currently taking place are a result of CRRB recommendations made in CRRB sessions held in late November.
MNF-I releases hundreds of detainees every month from facilities throughout the country. The CRRB generally reviews 250-300 detainee cases per week and has historically recommended about 50% for release.
Through the CRRB we will continue to release more and more detainees. With the standards and processes in place, we also hope with the releases there is an increasing level of stability and security throughout Iraq.
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