Report criticizes interim Iraq government

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - Middle East: "WASHINGTON -- Serious human rights abuses occurred under the interim Iraqi government installed by the United States after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, including torture, illegal detention by police and forced confessions, according to a State Department report.

Though the interim government did reverse 'a long legacy of serious human rights abuses' under Saddam, the report said that 'corruption at all levels of government remained a problem' during the period and Iraqis continued to be victimized by police, courts and others in authority.

Iraqi officials were correcting these practices, the report said. It said the January elections and continuing struggle against insurgent violence had helped 'create momentum for the improvement of human rights practices.'"