Statement by the Coalition Provisional Authority:

 

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

 

“A story appeared in today’s edition of Azzaman newspaper (December 10, 2003) alleging that Coalition Forces had released a number of former regime officials from detention, including former Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Saadun Hamadi.  This information is false.  Saadun Hamadi remains in the custody of Coalition Forces.  He has not been released.  There have been no prisoner releases of the kind described in the article.  We are not aware of the basis for the article by Azzaman, and note that the paper did not seek comment from Coalition Forces or the Coalition Provisional Authority before running this incorrect article.  The CPA expects Azzaman to correct this false report.  We would like to reiterate the importance of all media outlets adhering to standards of professional journalism.”