17 Canadians reported in US custody in Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 07, 2004

17 Canadians reported in US custody in Iraq

At least 17 people from Canada believed to be part of a designated terrorist group are being held under guard by US forces in Iraq, it is reported Ottawa Tuesday.

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At least 17 people from Canada believed to be part of a designated terrorist group are being held under guard by US forces in Iraq, it is reported in Ottawa Tuesday.

According to a report by the local newspaper The Globe and Mail, the Canadians are among 3,800 members of the People's Mujahedeen under US guard in the organization's camp at Ashraf, about 200 kilometers north of Baghdad.

The People's Mujahedeen has a long history of trying to overthrow the government of Iran.

Immigration lawyer Warren Creates, who is representing the 17, said the citizens and permanent residents are in a type of "protective custody" since early December, after surrendering theirweapons to US forces.

Canadian Foreign Affairs officials are checking on the status of the Canadians.

The Iraqi authorities have said they could deport the group to Iran, raising fears the Canadians could face imprisonment.

Supporters of the detained men protested at the headquarters ofthe Red Cross in Ottawa and at the US embassy in Ottawa on Monday.They also made presentations to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Xinhua

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