Friday, June 22, 2007
Minister Of Labor And Social Affairs orders investigation into abused Iraqi orphans
Politics, Humanitarian
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 21 JUN - Mr. Mahmoud Al Sheikh Radhi, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs started defending his ministry concerning the Al Hanan house scandal. He was wondering why the US forces raided the orphanage and showed the naked children on the satellite channels. Yesterday, during a press conference Radhi said, “I blame the Iraqi satellite channels because they participated in showing the miserable photos of Al Hanan house for the handicapped.
He confirmed “I am taking all the ethical responsibility that happened in the ministry that includes Al Hanan house and I reject any American involvement because they made this scandal. This house is one of the orphanages for male handicapped children in Shalchia in Baghdad and it was opened on the 17th of May 2007, which means it was opened 25 days before the American forces raided it. I am confirming that Al Hanan house is not for orphans but it is for mentally disabled children. I wonder why US forces raided after 2:00 AM.”
Two days ago, the American CBS network showed a broadcast of naked children of Al Hanan house. The children were thin because of the lack of food and they had been sexually abused. Radhi said “Because the house is still new, we haven’t provided electricity yet and we have coordinated with Karkh electricity department to fix this issue. About why the children were naked in the house, Al Radhi said “This is normal in every single Iraqi house when the power goes off.”
I believe the American raid was to humiliate the children. I demand to sue the soldiers that raided the house.” He did no deny that the ministry was negligent; he has ordered the Ministry’s General Inspector to open an investigation and to show the results of the investigation in public. He has accused certain unnamed groups “for creating this incident for political purposes.”
It is worthy to mention that two days ago, the Americans CBS network broadcast photos of Iraqi children. The network said that those children were orphans and handicapped. The network’s reporter, Laura Logan supported the report with photos of the miserable conditions. An American patrol found these children by coincidence the children were naked and sexually abused by unidentified people because there was not any security at the orphanage.
I believe the American raid was to humiliate the children. I demand to sue the soldiers that raided the house.” He did no deny that the ministry was negligent; he has ordered the Ministry’s General Inspector to open an investigation and to show the results of the investigation in public. He has accused certain unnamed groups “for creating this incident for political purposes.”
It is worthy to mention that two days ago, the Americans CBS network broadcast photos of Iraqi children. The network said that those children were orphans and handicapped. The network’s reporter, Laura Logan supported the report with photos of the miserable conditions. An American patrol found these children by coincidence the children were naked and sexually abused by unidentified people because there was not any security at the orphanage.
The report mentioned that there were five employees responsible for these children but instead they stole their clothes and food to sell. The US patrol found some of the employees making food in the orphanage kitchen not for the children but for themselves. An American soldier described one child’s condition, “I can count every rib on that child’s body.” All the children had diarrhea and some of them were chained to beds and others were sleeping in their excrement. The orphanage’s manager’s office was air conditioned and had nice furniture.
Labels: Al Hanan house, Iraqi orphans, Mahmoud Al Sheikh Radhi, special needs
