U.S.: Families will be allowed to visit Iranians held in Iraq

Jalal Shafari, an Iranian Diplomat kidnapped in Iraq, claimed he was held at a base and tortured while an American was present. At a news conference in April following his release, he showed wounds which were consistent with torture including holes allegedly drilled into his feet.

BAGHDAD, May 9 (Reuters) - Family members are soon expected to visit five Iranians detained by U.S. forces in northern Iraq in January, a U.S. military spokesman said on Wednesday.

The U.S. military says the five are linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and backing militants in Iraq. Iran insists they are diplomats, wants them freed and has requested access.

Major-General William Caldwell said the U.S. military had informed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that the Iranians could have family members see them.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

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