Hundreds of women on hunger strike at Iraqi prison

Hundreds of women imprisoned in Iraq on terrorism charges, many of whom are suspected members of the Islamic State (IS), have gone on a hunger strike to protest against their detention. The women are demanding a fair trial, improved living conditions, and the release of those who have been held for several years without charge or trial.

The hunger strike started in early May at a prison in the southern city of Nasiriyah. According to reports, over 250 women are taking part in the protest, and some have sewn their mouths shut. The women claim that they have been subjected to torture and abuse by the prison authorities and have been denied access to medical treatment.

The women have also complained about the poor living conditions in the prison, including overcrowding, lack of ventilation, and inadequate food and water supplies. The prison authorities have denied the allegations of abuse and have stated that they are working to address the concerns raised by the women.

The Iraqi government has been criticized for its treatment of IS suspects, with human rights groups accusing it of using torture and other abusive tactics to extract confessions. The government has denied the allegations and stated that it is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

–Re-reported from the story originally published in BBC News