BAGHDAD, Iraq-  Local NGOs have raised concerns regarding reports that children have been tortured and abused while being interrogated in Iraqi prisons.

“‘Children are being treated as adults in Iraqi prisons and our investigations have shown that they are being abused and tortured,’ said Khalid Rabia’a, a spokesman for the Prisoners’ Association for Justice (PAJ).”  (IRIN)

Mr. Rabia’a cited an example of five child prisoners who were between 13 and 17.  The children were interrogated because the Iraqi military operators had suspected that the children were supporting insurgents.  “‘The five children showed signs of torture all over their bodies.  Three had marks of cigarettes burns over their legs and one couldn’t speak as the shock sessions affected his conversation,’ Rabia’a said.” (IRIN)

The Iraqi government has denied the allegations and stated that those individuals who have abused adults or children through the prison system have been eliminated and punished.  However according to the IRIN, at least 220 children are being held in the Iraqi prisons.  An Iraqi official, who requesting anonymity, stated to IRIN that under his watch alone there were 20 children held captive and being abused.

The problem has been acknowledged by Iraqi Vice President Tarek al-Hashimy, who is beginning a campaign to end child abuse.

For more information, please see:

IRIN Middle East- IRAQ: Child prisoners abused and tortured, say activists- 25 October 2007