Iraqi Court Vows to Find “Dr. Germ,” “Mrs. Anthrax”

The Iraqi High Tribunal yesterday criticized the U.S. decision to release a number of prisoners, including former biological weapons scientists Rihab Taha, known as “Dr. Germ,” and Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash, known as “Mrs. Anthrax,” the Los Angeles Times reported (see GSN, Dec. 20).

The tribunal, which is now trying former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, vowed to find those who were released and take “judicial measures” against them. 

Iraqi lawyer Badee Izzat Aref said U.S. forces are providing security for most of the prisoners. He claims that up to 25 prisoners were freed, although the United States would only confirm the release of eight.

The prisoners “are under the protection of the American forces in Iraq until they find a safe haven either in Iraq or abroad,” Aref said without giving details. 

It was not clear where the officials are now, according to the Times (Los Angeles Times, Dec. 22).

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