Courtesy Photo | A guarantor signs a consent form as one of the conditions of the detainee release....... read more read more
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By Dan Martin Jr.
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – A day of reconciliation and celebration came for families in northwest Baghdad when 71 detainees were released during a ceremony at the Um Al-Qura Mosque, Sept. 25, 2008.
Families from the Kadamiyah, Mansour and Karkh security districts crowded into a courtyard outside the Ghazaliyah neighborhood mosque, to catch a glimpse of their loved ones. Escorted by Iraqi security and coalition forces, the walk from the buses into the mosque turned into an impromptu welcome-home procession.
Being showered with candy, waves and shouts from their anxiously waiting families, they took their first steps toward renewed freedom. With one last stop to meet with their guarantor, freedom once again was a reality.
According to Lt. Col. John Hermeling, commander of the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), these men, released under the care of a guarantor, being freed is a demonstration of the Government of Iraq showing forgiveness. These men were deemed to not be a threat to society and have not officially been charged with a crime by the Iraqi government. Their release will help with the continuing reconciliation process in northwest Baghdad.
Dr. Ahmed Abd Al-Chafoor, chief of the Court of Sunni Endowment, stated that these men are not a threat to society. He called for the release of all the detainees who have not been charged with crimes and are not a threat to the safety and security of Iraq.
"We want to celebrate today for those released," said Sheik Mahmud Al-Falahi, Imam of the Farooq Mosque in Hurriyah.
Rushing past guards, and in some cases, pushing their way through, family members could not wait until after the ceremony to welcome their loved ones. Receiving hugs, shedding tears, laughing with, and simple interaction with their families brought smiles to many.
Inside the mosque, many words of wisdom were given to the men by religious and military leaders as they listened to Sunni and Shiite leaders speak of peace among all Iraqis.
In the eyes of Chafoor, these newly-freed men are a large part of the future of Iraq. He called for the Government of Iraq to provide opportunities for these men, giving them a chance to make a positive impact in the community.
Col. Bill Hickman, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), said that it was an honor to see the families reunite and wished them well as they rejoin society.
As a part of the reconciliation of Iraq, reuniting families and taking care of those who were displaced are the main efforts of the Iraqi army and coalition forces, as well as preventing future terrorism. According to the distinguished speakers, one of the most important tasks at hand is to secure the borders to prevent negative influence.
Sheik Salah Al-Haydiry, chief of the Court of Shiite Endowment, thanked everyone for attending and gave his support to those who were released. Just as his Sunni counterpart did, he spoke of brotherhood among all Iraqis to work together in bringing safety and security to the country and uniting Iraq as one.
At this historic mosque on this celebrated day, sons, fathers, brothers and husbands became free men once again.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2008 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 24248 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 91 |
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