Release of Over 500 Prisoners in Iraq - 2004-01-07

The U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq plans to release over 500 prisoners who have been detained as low-level security threats. Paul Bremer, the head of the authority, stated on Wednesday that the coalition hopes that the release of some detainees will encourage reconciliation in Iraq. Mr. Bremer mentioned that the first 100 prisoners will be released on Thursday. However, he noted that this release will not include those who have genuinely committed attacks against U.S. soldiers or coalition targets. Mr. Bremer assured that this program will not apply to individuals whose hands are stained with blood. No one who has directly contributed to the death or serious injury of any person will be released. We will also not release those accused of torture or crimes against humanity. Mr. Bremer also stated that the coalition is offering new rewards for the capture of major anti-U.S. insurgents. Meanwhile, in the town of Fallujah, west of Baghdad, witnesses say that U.S. soldiers shot at a house, killing a couple living there. The U.S. military has not confirmed this incident.