|
An Iraqi informed security source revealed on Friday that five chiefs of the Mehdi Army managed to escape from Taji prison, northern Baghdad.
Three detainees were reported missing while transferring them to Karkh central prison, the Justice Ministry said.
A special force from Prime Minister’s office headed on Thursday night to Taji Prison, northern Baghdad, to transfer detainees to one of the capital’s prisons, the source told Alsumarianews.
Five chiefs of the Mehdi Army including senior leader Saad Sowar managed to escape during the transfer, the source added.
“Parties from inside the prison are likely to have facilitated the detainees’ escape”, the source speaking on condition of anonymity said.
“The transfer of detainees was carried out by the Rapid Reaction Force as planned”, an informed source from the Justice Ministry reported.
The detainees and Rapid Reaction Forces entered into altercations as detainees objected the order to transfer them to Karkh central prison, the source added.
“Three out of 182 detainees were reported missing during the transfer from Taji prison to Karkh central prison”, the source told Alsumarianews.
The source affirmed however that detainee Saad Sowar was transferred to Karkh Prison and is not among the missing detainees.
“Taji Prison administration has opened an investigation into the incident”, the source said.
The Chief of the League of the Righteous Group (Asaib Ahl Al Haq) Adnan Taj Shalal Sharhan escaped from Taji prison in January. Sharhan managed to escape due to the help of some of the guards, a security source said.
|
|