NGOs concerned over Iraqi detainees

BAGHDAD, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Human-rights groups raised concerns over the treatment of detainees scheduled for transfer to Baghdad's custody under the bilateral security pact for Iraq.

Baghdad Sunday agreed on a security agreement with Washington that replaces the expiring U.N. mandate for Iraq. Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told reporters the Iraqi courts will have "final say" on the fate of transferred detainees under the agreement.

"The Iraqi judiciary will review their files, release anyone who has not been convicted, and further detain those who have been convicted," the spokesman said.

Human-rights groups expressed concern over a provision in the bilateral accord that says detainees held in U.S. custody in Iraq must be transferred to Iraqi authorities within 24 hours of its acceptance.

"As Parliament represents the Iraqi people, it should act in line with the interests of Iraqis," Iraqi activist Basil al-Azawi said. "Absolute justice must be achieved, and Iraqi and international laws must be implemented when dealing with those detainees in Iraqi prisons."

Human Rights Watch, which says there are around 17,000 detainees in U.S. prison facilities in Iraq, joined in the criticism, saying the U.S. track record in Iraq is deplorable.

"Since the United States made itself synonymous with abuse of detainees in Iraq during the Abu Ghraib scandal, the least it can do now is ensure that a security agreement does not pave the way for further abuse," said Sarah Leah Whitson with HRW.