CPTnet
January 6, 2003
IRAQ: CPT summary report on treatment of Iraqi detainees and their families

[Note: Below are excerpts from a much longer report available for
downloading at www.cpt.org/iraq/iraq.php ]

CPT has presented the Coalition Provisional Authority with some statistical
data compiled of from seventy-two case studies in its files. Our
conclusion is straightforward: the military actions designed to ensure
short-term security are in fact compromising long-term US security
interests.

    These actions include

1. Violent house raids: House raids terrify Iraqi children and heap shame
on Iraqi women who are pulled from their beds wearing only nightclothes. In
a Muslim culture, this is particularly offensive, and
Iraqi men and boys are incensed by this treatment.

2. Lack of family visits with prisoners is causing frustration and anger.
In addition, many families trying to visit prisoners receive misleading
directions. CPT urges the CPA to make it easier for families to visit
detainees and obtain information about them.

3. Health Concerns: Families have no way to inquire about the health and
well-being of prisoners. This is particularly distressing when families
know that their detained loved ones were injured at the time of their
arrest. Family members often report that detained relatives have chronic
health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. CPT
urges the CPA to allow family members access to all information pertaining
to the health of detainees.

4. Mistreatment of Detainees: All released detainees to whom CPT spoke
reported that they were housed in overcrowded tents without proper clothes
or toilet facilities, particularly in the initial detention centers to
which they were taken. CPT volunteers saw handcuffed prisoners being led
around with black plastic bags over their heads at an army base near Balad
on December 24th, 2003.

5. Theft of Property: CPT has heard many stories about Coalition forces
confiscating money and property during house raids. Team members have not
heard of any instances in which Coalition forces gave the owners receipts
for confiscated property. CPT urges Coalition forces to cease unnecessary
confiscation of property, to issue receipts when confiscation is necessary,
and to return all property that has been unjustly confiscated.

6. Ineffective Application Process for Confiscated Property: Many people who
have applied for compensation for damaged and confiscated property
have not received any written proof of their application. CPT urges the CPA
to document and follow through on all requests for compensation, and to give
families copies of all documents relating to compensation.

7. Lack of Security: Iraqis say that the criminals arrested every day by
Iraqi police are then freed within a few days by Coalition authorities.
Meanwhile, innocent detainees are held for months.

Conclusion:
Developing a process for handling detainee issues that is transparent,
efficient, and that upholds basic legal rights is essential for
establishing a secure and democratic society. A more open approach that
attends to the concerns of families and more freely shares information will,
in the long run, provide better security for both Iraqi civilians and
Coalition soldiers and personnel. The CPA could model the sort of justice
system most desirable for a free, democratic Iraq.