2005 press releases U.S. Embassy Statement on Discovery of Detainees November 15, 2005

U.S. EMBASSY BAGHDAD and MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES – IRAQ We welcome Prime Minister al-Ja’afari’s statements expressing his deep concern over the discovery November 13 of apparently abused detainees at a Ministry of Interior detention facility. The Prime Minister confirmed that such practices are completely contrary to Iraqi government policy and promised to take immediate action to investigate the reported incident and to undertake measures to ensure that no Ministry of Interior detainees were subject to abuse anywhere in Iraq. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and General George Casey have discussed this case with the leaders of the Iraqi Government at the highest levels. We agree with Iraq’s leaders that the mistreatment of detainees is a serious matter and totally unacceptable. The Iraqi Government has the lead to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who may be found responsible for any abuse of detainees. The U.S. Embassy and Multi-National Forces-Iraq are providing technical assistance, including support from U.S. law enforcement elements of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Together with the Iraqi authorities, we are committed to making sure that detainee mistreatment is not tolerated.

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