In Iraq, jailed women tell of abuse

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-prison22mar22,1,7370221.story

Some don't know why they were arrested, and many are held for months without seeing a judge. Justice officials deny the accusations, but evidence points to deep-rooted problems.

By Kimi Yoshino, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 22, 2008

BAGHDAD -- Sad, tired eyes peer out from behind the bars of Kadhimiya Prison. The pleas are desperate: "I swear I am innocent." "The criminal investigators raped us." "I have been here eight months and I have not seen a judge."

Nearly 200 women, some with their toddlers and infants living with them in their cells, are imprisoned in Baghdad's only detention facility for women. Suspected killers bunk with women charged with petty crimes. Some don't know why they were arrested.

[mahina]

1. How will we stop this?

We must.

[seabeyond]

2. we dont. our expectations are too low. n/t

[Heywood J]

3. I would recommend this, but it's been too long.