The last 24 hours have been "lock-down status" on the Camp Cropper TIF due to detainee unrest. As a result, our work load was light on Friday--we did not see any detainee patients in clinic. The upcoming US-Iraqi transition, national election results, and the recent death of a Compound 3 inmate seem to be the trigger for this disturbance.
Last night, rioting broke out in Compound 3. Prison mattresses were set on fire and the EPWs threw rocks and pieces of concrete at Coalition guards. Guards quelled the uprising by firing non-lethal, rubber bullets and using sonic weapons (LRAD). There were 4 injuries--3 Iraqi prisoners received wounds from rubber rounds, including a lost eye, and one US soldier was hurt by a rock.
Today, Compound 2 responded with their own uprising by refusing morning accountability, outdoor prayer call and meals. There was more rock throwing, including cups of body fluids getting tossed on guards.
Late yesterday afternoon, a Compound 3 detainee, and known Takfiri extremist, died from complications due to neck and throat cancer. He was visited the day before by his wife and family. Though he refused medical intervention, he was admitted to the DMC just before his passing where lifesaving procedures failed help him.
It is rumored on the TIF that this patient requested a "GOI" or transfer to Iraqi care. However, the medical team I talked to denies this request was ever made. I'm told Iraqis prefer American custody to that of the Iraqi government where the standard of care is very poor and the incidence of prison abuse is high. (Apparently Abu Ghraib is a distant memory!)
For now, all detainee services on all Compounds--family visits, medical and dental (minus emergency care), work detail, classes, sports and recreation, religious devotion, regular meal services--have been temporarily suspended until compliance from EPWs has been gained.
