AI: Concern for arrested Iraqi woman

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http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/41D1C47C-7ED2-439A-9CBD-373667F72F5F.htm


Amnesty International (AI) has expressed concern for the whereabouts of an Iraqi woman allegedly arrested by US and Iraqi military personnel.

In an Urgent Action report issued on 18 February, AI USA is demanding the safe treatment of Huda Hafiz Ahmad al-Azawi, a businesswoman, seized at 4am on 17 February.

She was reportedly handcuffed, blindfolded, and beaten as were her two daughters, Nura, 15, and Sara, 20.

The AI report says that jewellery, cash, three computers and a mobile phone were confiscated as part of an investigation into accusations that she had been "supporting the resistance".

Al-Azawi and her sister had been previously arrested in December 2003 along with their brother Iyad on suspicion of supporting armed anti-US groups. Al-Azawi had earlier claimed that Iyad had died while in US custody.