[JURIST] The US military will not transfer detainees [JURIST news archive] to Iraqi-operated prisons or transition US-run facilities to Iraqi control until military officials are satisfied that Iraqis have met US standards for the treatment of detainees, according to Maj. Gen. John D. Gardner, commanding US-run prisons in Iraq. The decision was made after two raids of Iraqi run facilities [JURIST report] earlier this months uncovered abused prisoners. At the same time, however, officers have voiced concerns about the growing inmate population and overcrowding at Iraq's four American-run prisons, which are currently operating at 119% capacity and challenged by a backlog in the country's fledgling judicial system. Earlier this year overcrowding was said to have contributed to several riots [JURIST report] and disturbances at US-run detention centers. The US military has begun inspecting Iraqi prisons for signs of abuse, but has not set a timetable for transitioning the facilities to Iraqi control. The New York Times has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase:

• Iraq detainee abuse problem worse than reported, US ambassador says
  
• Iraq rights ministry finds abused detainees in Baghdad facility
• Top US general aware of torture by Iraqi security forces
• Iraq government says abuse investigation stalled by US errors
• US general blames Iraqi commanders for detainee abuse
• UN rights commissioner calls for international inquiry into Iraqi prisons
• Iraqi government admits security forces tortured, abused detainees
• Military official confirms detainee abuse by Iraqi security forces
• US army warns Iraqi forces on detainee abuse