“Dr. Germ,” “Mrs. Anthrax” Released in Iraq

Two former Iraqi biological weapons scientists have been released from U.S. custody, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Jan. 3).

An Iraqi lawyer said Rihab Taha, also known as “Dr. Germ,” and Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash, known as “Mrs. Anthrax,” were among approximately 24 officials from Saddam Hussein’s former government who were released without being charged with a crime. Some have already left Iraq.

“The release was an American-Iraqi decision and in line with an Iraqi government ruling made in December 2004, but hasn't been enforced until after the elections in an attempt to ease the political pressure in Iraq,” said lawyer Badee Izzat Aref.

U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Barry Johnson would only confirm that eight one-time high-value detainees had been released after it was determined that they posed no further security threat and would not face charges. He would not name the eight, but a legal official said Taha and Ammash were included in that group (Jason Straziuso, Associated Press/Yahoo!News, Dec. 19).

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