Iraqi Ministry Releases 149 Children in May Through Rehabilitation Programs

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Ministry of Justice announced Sunday that 149 children were released in May as part of procedures carried out by the Child Rehabilitation Department. Department Director Mohammed Radi Bahr es-Sahlani said 89 detainees were freed, while 25 children were released after completing their sentences. Another 28 children received conditional release for demonstrating good conduct and completing approved rehabilitation courses. Six children were released under the general amnesty law, and one child was freed following an appeal court ruling, according to the statement. Sahlani said the department continues to closely monitor convict files and implement legal and humanitarian release procedures. The announcement provided no further details on the cases or circumstances of those released.