The U.S. Army detains nearly 12,000 prisoners in Iraq

The U.S. Army announced Tuesday they hold less than 12,000 prisoners in Iraq, continuing the release or transfer of detainees to Iraqi authorities, according to the security agreement signed between Washington and Baghdad.

•     In total, 11,999 people are currently detained in Iraq in prisons controlled by the U.S. Army, the lowest level since November 2005, the U.S. command said in a statement.
  
      "Since January 1, 2009, 3271 prisoners were released and there are currently 2325 people in detention who have been convicted or are awaiting trial," says the U.S. military.
  
      These nearly 12,000 prisoners are held in two prisons controlled by the U.S. Army at ‘Camp Victory’ near Baghdad airport and Camp Bucca (south).
  
      On 22 March, the U.S. military had indicated the intention to send back to court about 6000 to 7000 Iraqi detainees considered most dangerous.
  
      Other detainees, considered less dangerous, are being released at a rate of 50 per day or are transferred to Iraqi authorities, who also release a large number.
  
      
  Ennaharonline/ afp