Abu Ghraib to Baghdad Central Prison

Abu Ghraib to Baghdad Central Prison

Abu Ghraib, the Iraqi prison which became notorious for detainee abuse by US forces in 2004, is being officially re-opened in a new incarnation.

A look inside the renovated Abu Ghraib prison: video link

Bullshit alert! "Along with the change of name, the Iraqi justice ministry is trying to change both image and reality, billing it as a model prison, open to random inspection by the Red Cross and other humanitarian organisations".

"Work is continuing on the prison, which will eventually be the city's main jail, holding about 12,000 inmates...There is much concern over the conditions in some Iraqi jails, where there is acute overcrowding and allegations of abuse and torture".

"American officials say the detainees they hand over are only going to prisons run by the justice ministry and which are up to international standards". It's a great shame upon America that American prisons are not up to international standards!

Long Kesh - Maze, what difference does a change of name make? I am not impressed by what I saw on the video in relation to the cells. The cells are too cramped, with too many bunk beds in them, and the doors and padlocks look like animal cages in a zoo. If a serious fire broke out unlocking all those padlocks would be too slow and dangerous, it's a fire hazard waiting to happen.

There are only two good things, Iraqi prisoners serving 5 years and under have the vote. And the computer room looked ok, if there is inmate internet access allowed.

It is still inhumane imprisonment. A humane prison, in my view, has a prison population not exceeding 250 prisoners in single room accommodation.