Iraq apprehends two escaped prisoners

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Two prisoners who escaped from Hilla prison in Iraq’s Babil province have been caught and authorities are questioning prison staff.

The two inmates escaped from the central prison in Hilla on Friday afternoon.

“Following intense pursuit, both escaped inmates were apprehended. One had been convicted of theft and the other for drug-related offenses,” Ahmed Laibi told Rudaw on Saturday.

“Immediately after the escape, Justice Minister Khalid Shwani ordered the arrest of all prison officials involved and launched a full operation,” he added.

The prison director, his deputy, and relevant staff have been referred to an investigative committee.

The minister held a joint press conference with the governor where he said that security forces had apprehended the fugitives quickly.

He also said that, under directive of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, a joint committee from the interior and justice ministries was formed to investigate the details of the incident.

“The initial findings have revealed serious breaches, and further information will be announced,” said Shwani.

According to justice ministry statistics, there are 30 prisons in Iraq with some 67,000 inmates, 1,600 of whom are foreigners. This number excludes the Kurdistan Region’s prisons and those held by security forces and different armed groups across the country.