BAGHDAD: Amnesty International on Tuesday alleged cases of “torture and ill-treatment” among Iraqis who returned home from Syria to a rehabilitation center for people suspected of Daesh group ties.
The London-based human rights group said it documented cases involving seven men and one woman, detained over the past two years at the Al-Jadaa camp in northern Iraq.
“Seven of them faced torture and ill-treatment,” Amnesty said, describing beatings, electric shocks and suffocation by plastic bags.
Family members observed signs of torture, including broken fingers and dislocated shoulders, the group said in a statement.
“The torture and other ill-treatment suffered by those arrested... is horrifying. It must be stopped and investigated immediately,” said Amnesty secretary general Agnes Callamard.
Iraq and the United Nations had agreed to repatriate tens of thousands of Iraqis from Syria’s Al-Hol camp, but Callamard called it “unconscionable” that those returning from war and detention face further horrors.”
Amnesty said it spoke with detainees, their families and 16 UN staff members during interviews conducted between July and September.
Of the eight cases, seven detainees described torture by Iraqi security forces. Six are now serving lengthy sentences based on forced confessions, it said.
One detainee, identified by the pseudonym Saleem, described his experience.
“They beat me, and... handcuffed my hands behind my back. They hit the soles of my feet with a green water pipe... I was just saying ‘no’, again and again,” he was quoted as saying by Amnesty.
“During the torture, they said they wanted me to confess to things I didn’t do. I didn’t confess, and so I didn’t walk for four days.”
Amnesty urged Iraqi authorities to “immediately end the use of torture and other ill-treatment and the enforced disappearance of those arrested” at Al-Jadaa.
The non-governmental organization said it had requested but was denied access to interview detainees in July due to “security concerns.”
On October 2, Amnesty said it wrote to Iraq’s prime minister with its findings but has not received a response.
Iraq is one of the few countries to regularly repatriate its nationals from Al-Hol, a policy welcomed by the United Nations and the United States.
Since 2021, Iraqi forces have arrested about 80 people in the camp on charges of affiliation with the Daesh group, Amnesty said.
While some arrests may be “legitimate,” Amnesty noted accusations have occasionally stemmed from personal quarrels or a relative with ties to Daesh.
As of September, Al-Jadaa held 2,223 people, including 1,318 children, 627 women and 278 men, the rights group said.
Iraqis returning from Syria face torture: Amnesty
https://arab.news/y2wjf
Iraqis returning from Syria face torture: Amnesty
- Iraq and the United Nations had agreed to repatriate tens of thousands of Iraqis from Syria’s Al-Hol camp
- Iraq is one of the few countries to regularly repatriate its nationals from Al-Hol
G7 calls for resumption of ‘unhindered’ aid for Gaza
- “Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said
CHARLEVOIX, Canada: The G7 on Friday called for the resumption of “unhindered” humanitarian aid for Gaza.
In a final statement from their foreign ministers in Canada, the group of powerful democracies “reaffirmed their support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire.”
The White House, meanwhile, accused Hamas on Friday of making “entirely impractical” demands and stalling on a deal to release a US Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
FASTFACT
The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making ‘entirely impractical’ demands and stalling on a deal to release a US Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council said.
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it said, adding that Trump had already vowed Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not freeing hostages.
Witkoff presented a “bridge” proposal in Qatar on Wednesday to extend the first phase of the truce to mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” it added.
Bahrain set to launch first locally developed satellite
- Project spearheaded by National Space Science Agency
MANAMA: Bahrain is set to launch Al-Munther on Saturday, its first domestically designed and developed satellite.
The project is spearheaded by the National Space Science Agency and marks a milestone for Bahrain’s space ambitions.
The craft, a 3U CubeSat, is the first satellite in the region to integrate artificial intelligence for onboard image processing, setting a new benchmark for technological innovation.
Equipped with advanced payloads, it features an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique broadcast function that will transmit Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa from space.
The satellite will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550 km and is expected to have a two-year lifespan.
It is scheduled for launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex in California.
Al-Munther, which means herald or messenger, symbolizes Bahrain’s forward-looking vision and commitment to innovation, and highlights its dedication to building a sustainable space infrastructure, fostering research and development, and inspiring future generations to pursue advancements in science and technology.
Lebanon pushes social safety net plan
- Protecting the poor is essential for civic stability, prime minister tells major dialogue
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Friday the government’s top priority is to restore confidence in the country by prioritizing social policies and economic reforms.
The remarks came at an expanded meeting at the Grand Serail, Salam’s official residence, on social safety nets in Lebanon, under the theme “The Next Phase of Reform.”
The event, organized by Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed, drew numerous diplomats and officials from UN-affiliated agencies.
FASTFACT
Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine introduced the ‘Aqwa’ program in collaboration with UNICEF. It provide support for children who were injured during the recent war in southern Lebanon.
Salam underscored Lebanon’s profound ongoing social crisis, saying stability could not be maintained without addressing social issues.
He said poverty rates were already high before the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, reaching a nationwide 44 percent.
Young children are the most vulnerable, with their poverty rates surging to unprecedented levels.
The prime minister added that food insecurity and limited access to healthcare remain significant risks.
In a statement, his government committed to establishing a comprehensive social protection system and to increase social spending.
According to the proposals, the government — through the Ministry of Social Affairs — will implement the National Social Protection Strategy. This involves strengthening social safety nets, including for those in poverty and needing disability support programs.
The government said it aims to ensure adequate healthcare coverage for the most vulnerable through primary healthcare centers, secure the minimum educational requirements for children and adolescents in public schools and vocational institutions, and support the poor in integrating into the labor market through economic inclusion programs.
Salam, who previously pledged that his government was committed to implementing reforms, reiterated on Friday his desire first to enact change in the National Social Security Fund.
“We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of transparency and accountability in our programs,” he said.
Currently, social assistance covers only 55 percent of Lebanon’s poor.
Approximately 800,000 Lebanese, or 166,000 families, receive support through the Aman program.
Around 20,000 people with disabilities benefit from a cash allowance program, and approximately 170,000 people receive emergency cash assistance.
Social Affairs Minister Sayed stated that her ministry aims to “expand direct cash support, strengthen ties with social services, build institutional capacity and infrastructure, and enhance coordination and system alignment.”
She added: “Due to the rising poverty rates following the recent war, the poor are facing severe food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare.
“Children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk, suffering from alarmingly high poverty rates and receiving the least coverage through social safety nets.”
Under the slogan “The government’s commitment to increasing social protection spending from the state budget,” Sayyed announced the launch of the reform workshop in collaboration with the prime minister’s office.
Her ministry will also activate the Social Safety Net Task Force to enhance collaboration among ministries and partners, improve internal systems, and upgrade development service centers.
It will also propose a Social Safety Nets Law to ensure the long-term viability of the reform efforts.
In a related move, Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine introduced the “Aqwa” program (Arabic for “stronger”) in collaboration with UNICEF.
This program aims to provide support and care for children who were injured during the recent war in southern Lebanon.
It will be implemented in partnership with the International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance and the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund.
According to the Health Ministry, around 1,500 children have sustained severe and moderate injuries, many of whom require reconstructive surgeries and ongoing mental healthcare.
Nasreddine emphasized the immense suffering of these children, highlighting both the number and the severity of their injuries.
He underscored that the launch of the program is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding everything that the war has destroyed, both in terms of infrastructure and human lives.
“The program goes beyond traditional surgical interventions to encompass mental health services, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgeries, among other critical care for children under 18,” he added.
At the end of last February, UNICEF released a report revealing the devastating impact of the recent war on children, which affected almost every aspect of their lives. Many urgently require support to heal, rebuild their lives, and cope with the lasting effects of this conflict, the UN body said.
White House says Hamas making ‘very bad bet’ in Gaza talks
- “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement said
- “Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes“
WASHINGTON: The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making “entirely impractical” demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council said.
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it said, adding that Trump had already vowed Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not freeing hostages.
Hamas said earlier on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Witkoff presented a “bridge” proposal in Qatar on Wednesday to extend the first phase of the truce to mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” it added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asked if the United States was prioritizing the release of the American hostage, said: “We care about all the hostages.”
“We’re acting like this is a normal exchange, this is a normal thing that happens. This is an outrage. So they should all be released,” Rubio told reporters after Group of Seven talks in Canada.
“I’m not going to comment on what we’re going to accept and not accept, other than that all of us — the whole world — should continue to say that what Hamas has done is outrageous, it’s ridiculous, it’s sick, it’s disgusting,” he said.
UK Royal Navy busts drug smuggling using drones for first time
- Arabian Sea operation intercepts $6.9m worth of drugs
- HMS Lancaster operates out of Bahrain
LONDON: The UK’s Royal Navy has used drones to foil drug smuggling for the first time as part of an operation in the northern Arabian Sea.
The crew of HMS Lancaster spotted suspicious boats using new Peregrine miniature helicopters that are controlled remotely, the Daily Telegraph reported on Friday.
Operators of the drones detected the two boats side by side at night, and a Wildcat helicopter was dispatched to inspect the vessels at a closer distance.
The crew on the helicopter saw a small fast boat and a dhow, with packages being transferred onto the latter.
After HMS Lancaster arrived to intercept the vessels, $6.9 million worth of drugs were discovered despite the crew of the small boats attempting to dump the packages.
The Peregrine is 3 meters long and has a flight time of up to five hours. It is the first remote-controlled helicopter operated by the Royal Navy and can transfer data, radar information and imagery back to warship control rooms.
It has radically improved the navy’s ability to carry out drug busts, a source told the Telegraph.
HMS Lancaster, which has operated out of Bahrain for more than two years, was in the region as part of the international Combined Task Force 150. The coalition aims to clamp down on illegal activity in the Middle East.
