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NEWS > EVERYONE ELSE > IRAQI OFFICIALS CLAIM ABU GHARIB NOW A PRISONER PARADISE
IRAQI OFFICIALS CLAIM ABU GHARIB NOW A PRISONER PARADISE
February 23 2009
Baghdad, Iraq – Abu Gharib has never been the best place to be. Under Saddam Hussein the prison became notorious for prisoner abuse, torture, and wanton acts of execution. Under US control the prison became a haven for abuse by American soldiers, which were subsequently broadcast the world over after pictures of the torture and possible murders were leaked. Now though, with water fountains, gardens, and a fully fledged gym the building so soaked in blood have become a modern day Hanging Garden of Babylon.
“We want to change its image, to make it a place of justice,” said Murtada Sharif of the Iraq Ministry of Justice. “Cells that once held 50 people now hold 8. Prisoners are able to visit with their families and we even have a playground for the children. With these renovations we believe that people will be happy to come to the prison so that justice can be administered to them.”
Newly renamed, the Baghdad Central Prison is being seen by many as a statement on the Iraqi restructuring itself. Many in the Iraqi government see it as a declaration to the rest of the world that a place of such horror and shame can be converted to almost palatial opulence.
“Iraq has a long way to go before it can be considered alongside its historical sibling of Babylon but this is a significant step forward for the country nonetheless. They still have chaos on the streets, but at least now those criminals and terrorists will have some place nice to spend the rest of their lives,” said Scrape TV Middle East analyst David Gershwin. “From what I’ve seen their biggest issue with the new prison is size. Once people start seeing what lives they can lead there people are going to be tripping over each other to commit crimes. They may have set too high a standard. The way people are living in Iraq isn’t what one would call the lap of luxury and I foresee this being a major draw for the average Iraqi.”
Modern day Iraq is of course built on the grounds of Babylon and ancient city-state that was once a part of the Mesopotamian Empire. The Hanging Gardens, built by King Nebuchadnezzar II as tribute to his wife, are considered one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The cities of both Abu Gharib and Al Hillah, the present day location of Babylon, are suburbs of Baghdad.
“I expect that building prisons is going to be a mandate of the Iraqi administration especially when they do such a great job with them. They may have shot themselves in the foot by doing such a fantastic build here, but at least that’s better than being shot in the head,” continued
Gershwin. “They have also set a precedent for the entire region. Aside from the emirates, I doubt this level of luxury exists anywhere else in the Middle East. Iraq as an entity has existed for only a very short time and they have had, obviously, a major impact on the region and world in that time. The growing pains that they have endured over the last two decades seem to have paved the way for a modern version of Babylonia, a paradise once again.”
Other countries in the region have not commented on the revamped version of the prison but it is not expected that neighbours Saudi Arabia or Syria will be fundamentally altering their criminal or judicial system anytime soon.
“The one problem a prison like this has is that you don’t want to spill blood on the floors. Inevitably they will get marked up but it just isn’t the kind of place that you conduct beheadings in,” continued Gershwin. “As compelling it is to think that one little country could change the world, people are rooted in their traditions and execution is a long held love for many in the region. I don’t expect we’ll see a whole lot of changes in those other countries unless they can somehow integrate and efficient drainage system and nearby burial sites. With some of these countries you need to adapt and take baby steps. Things won’t just change overnight but at least they are moving forward.”
The revamped prison is expected to house up to 15,000 prisoners by the end of the year. Officials are reportedly already staking out locations for new facilities.
Emil Uliya, International Correspondent
NEWS > EVERYONE ELSE > IRAQI OFFICIALS CLAIM ABU GHARIB NOW A PRISONER PARADISE
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