U.s. Frees Nearly 400 Male Detainees In Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. military released about 390 detainees in Iraq on Monday after a review committee found no reason to hold the men, a statement said.

The releases were recommended by a panel consisting of U.S. and Iraqi officials from the ministries of human rights, justice and interior, the military statement said.

Kidnappers of American freelance journalist Jill Carroll initially demanded the release of all female detainees in Iraq but later revised their demands. The deadline they set passed Sunday without word of her fate.

All the detainees released Monday were men, the military said.

The Combined Review and Release Board has reviewed the cases of more than 29,500 detainees at coalition facilities, including Abu Ghraib in Baghdad, Camp Bucca near the southern port of Umm Qasr and Fort Suse in the northern Sulaimaniyah area.

More than 15,300 have been recommended for release, the statement said.

So, all these people were probably initially arrested for being terrorists, or having ties to terrorists, or for (supposedly) engaging in combat against coalition forces. Now a review board that includes US officials has determined there is no reason to continue holding these people (in other words, they don't have any evidence they could use to charge these people with any crimes).

Makes you wonder how valid the original reasons for arresting these people was. Over 50% of those being held are recommended for release.

Wonder if they'll try suing for compensation ?

Fox News, 27 Feb 2006