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Iraq

Answer

Iraqis detained by the United Kingdom forces are either criminal detainees or security internees. Criminal detainees are transferred as soon as practically possible into Iraqi custody on their detention by UK forces, usually within eight hours. Security internees are detained and then held at the Divisional Temporary Detention Facility at Shaiba.Records held in MND(SE) show that 105 security internees have been transferred into the Iraqi criminal justice system since 1 January 2004.We do not keep figures on the number of criminal detainees placed immediately into Iraqi custody. This is routine business for UK forces and transfers occur very frequently.Following the end of hostilities in Iraq and the completion of the UK's prisoner release programme, a total of 358 prisoners taken into custody by the UK were transferred to US custody at Camp Bucca. With the opening of the UK's Divisional Temporary Detention Facility in December 2003, they, along with further individuals transferred into US custody in the meantime, were either released, or transferred back to UK custody.A further 18 security internees have been transferred to US custody at various times. All but four have been released.Once individuals have been transferred into the Iraqi legal system they become a matter for the Iraqis. We do not hold information on how many are subject to prosecution in the Iraqi courts. I met with the Iraqi Minister of the Interior on 4 December and made clear to him the international community's view that Iraq must have suitable systems of detention, trial and incarceration in line with its international obligations.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

441 c221-2W; 28402

Session

2005-06

Related items

Iraq
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Written questions
House of Commons

Iraq
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Written questions
House of Commons

Subjects

Detainees Iraq Prisoners' transfers

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk