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| Wilson Calls for Declassification of Abu Ghraib Prison Order |
May 11, 2004 |
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Read Heather Wilson`s Wilson Calls for Declassification of Abu Ghraib Prison Order letter
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, asked the Secretary of Defense to declassify an order issued 19 November 2003 that has been described as effectively placing the Abu Ghraib prison under the command of military intelligence.
Wilson, who requested that the Committee have access to the order in Friday’s hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, today called for the immediate release of the order.
“This appears to be an order with important implications, and it should be immediately declassified,” Wilson said. “I have serious concerns about this order and more information is needed to fulfill responsibilities of Congressional oversight.”
According to testimony in Friday’s hearing, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, CJTF-7 commander, signed the order. Wilson at the time cited a report from Major General Antonio Taguba that indicated placing the prison under the command of Military Intelligence was contrary to Army Regulation 109-8 and may have contributed to problems at the prison.
A paragraph from the order, as quoted in Gen. Taguba’s report, states: “Effective immediately, Commander 205 MI Brigade assumes responsibility for the Baghdad confinement facility (BCCF) and is appointed the FOB commander. Units currently at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) are TACON to 205 MI Brigade for security of detainees and FOB protection.”
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