U.S. Military Frees 272 Detainees in Iraq ("I just came out of hell")

[Barrett808]

U.S. Military Frees 272 Detainees in Iraq
Tue Mar 23, 7:27 PM ET
By HAMZA HENDAWI, Associated Press Writer

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq - The U.S. military released 272 security detainees Tuesday from Abu Ghraib prison, once Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s most notorious lockup. Many smiled or flashed V-for-victory signs, while others shouted angry complaints.

In a carefully choreographed event, the prisoners were brought out in groups from inside the prison. Given $10 each toward the cost of their journeys home, they left in buses chartered by the U.S. military for Baghdad or the center of Abu Ghraib.

Reporters taken by the military to witness the event were not allowed to interview the men being released.

To the dismay of U.S. troops, some detainees, who mostly wore Arab robes or tracksuits, shouted a few words to the waiting reporters. Most refused to give their names or say which part of Iraq (news - web sites) they came from or why they were detained.

"I just came out of hell," screamed one.

All those who spoke claimed innocence. "I never knew what I was accused of," said Yasser al-Badri.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=ap/iraq_security_detainees

[Rainbowreflect]

1. "I never knew what I was accused of"

Sounds like home & the patriot act.

[Jacobin]

2. Ah yes, fresh recruits for the insurgency

I'm sure they were "well treated" and will hold no grudges.

How insane is this occupation?

[Mari333]

3. 23,000 to 28.000 are being held with no charges

is whats going on.
what a mess. what a fucking mess.

[keithyboy]

4. 272 more people who will fight us

I wonder why they hate us?

[radwriter0555]

5. More prisoners THAN EVER HELD UNDER HUSSEIN...

bush is the WORST LEADER EVER.

[billybob537]

8. STATS

And the stats prove it!!!

[wryter2000]

6. Vote the story up, folks eom

eom

[tlcandie]

7. Gotta love this part ...

From the linkded article..

<snip>
In a carefully choreographed event, the prisoners were brought out in groups from inside the prison.
<snip>

NOTE: Bold-face type is mine.

[donsu]

9. the thing is that Truth doesn't need "carefully choreographed event"s

it's criminals that have to "carefully choreographed event"s.

Bring the Troops Home Now! before they commit anymore criminal actions.