U.S. Military Frees Iraqi Detainees

(RFE/RL) 19 February 2006 -- The U.S. military has said it has released 430 male Iraqi detainees over the past few days after reviews of their cases found no reason to hold them.

A statement issued in Baghdad on 18 February said the releases were recommended by a committee consisting U.S. and Iraqi officials from the ministries of Human Rights, Justice, and Interior.

More than 14,000 detainees are being held at coalition facilities, including Abu Ghurayb in Baghdad. Many detainees are awaiting trial and formal charges.

(AP, AFP)