Former detainees returned to community

Photo By Spc. Elvyn Nieves | Muntasir Abdal Mahdi Shamki and his wife share an emotional embrace during a repatriation ceremony where 13 Iraqis were released as part of the reconciliation efforts, March 21, at Combat Outpost Aphache, in northern Baghdad. The released citizens swore on the Quran that they will maintain their allegiance to the Government of Iraq, give support to the troops and work for the stability of their country before they were released. The former detainees signed the oath of allegiance in front of the community leaders.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.23.2008

Story by Spc. Elvyn Nieves 

113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Elvyn Nieves
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs,
4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – As part of national reconciliation efforts, 13 detainees from Adhamiyah district were re-incorporated to society and their families in a repatriation ceremony, March 21.

The released citizens swore on the Quran that they will maintain their allegiance to the Government of Iraq, give support to the troops and work for the stability of their country before they were released. The former detainees signed the oath of allegiance in front of the community leaders.

"Today is a great day for me," said Montasar Abadal Mahdi, one of the released Iraqis detained for almost one year. "I'm so happy to finally reunite with my wife and sister."

The detainees were brought to the squadron detention area on Combat Outpost Apache to verify basic information and to make sure they were medically fit to return to society.

The freed citizens will go to the Iraqi police patrol house to certify their personal information is still accurate on the 30th day after being released. Once completed the last check in day 45, they will not require further checks.

"This is my third tour to Iraq and it's the first time I've seen detainees being released from detention holding facilities," said Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Lugo, a San Juan, Puerto Rico native, who serves as the squadron master gunner in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, which is attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "It's a good thing to see the system is moving forward and releasing people."

More repatriation ceremonies are expected in the future.

"After they have gone through a detailed screening process, they'll move forward and be released," said Lt. Col. Jeffery Broadwater, a Radcliff, Ky., native, who serves as the squadron commander for 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. "This ceremony makes me feel there's hope for our cause and allows me to see how well we have done so far. It makes us proud of what we have accomplished in Adhamiyah."

• Date Taken: 03.23.2008
• Date Posted: 03.26.2008 16:11
• Story ID: 17784
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ