WASHINGTON-
The State Department said Wednesday that it has received credible
reports that Iraq may have ordered the summary execution of "hundreds,
if not thousands" of political detainees in recent weeks.
According to the reports, many of those killed were serving sentences of
15 to 20 years for such crimes as insulting the regime or membership in
an opposition political party. State Department spokesman James Foley
said.
The reports indicate that families of the victims have been receiving
remains that bear clear signs of torture, he said.
"These reports are shocking, and we are actively seeking independent
confirmation of them," Foley said.
Foley said the U.N. special envoy to Iraq on human rights is looking
into the situation.
Salah Jafar
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