Iraqi Minister Says Torture Allegations Exaggerated

Interior Minister Bayan Jabr (file photo) (RFE/RL) 17 November 2005 -- Iraqi Interior Minister Bayan Jabr said today allegations that his ministry abused prisoners in a secret Baghdad lock-up have been exaggerated.

Jabr said only five people appeared to have been maltreated in the facility and insisted that those detained were the most criminal terrorists.

However he added that he will punish those who perform torture.

Earlier, Deputy Interior Minister Major General Hussein Kamal called for a unified command over detention centers to prevent future cases of torture.

Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari has ordered an investigation into the torture allegation but Sunni Arab politicians are demanding an international probe.

Washington says it believes the Iraqi government could carry out a credible probe and therefore there is no need for an international investigation.

(AP)