Iraq Premier to release 2,500 prisoners

Nuri al-Maliki said the prisoners would be released from US-run detention centres and Iraqi custody.

Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Tuesday he would release 2,500 prisoners with no clear evidence against them or who were mistakenly detained, in a move to help reach "national reconciliation".

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"We hope they will abide by not violently objecting to the political process. This is a strong move which will encourage others," he said, in a clear reference to the minority Sunni community, which forms the backbone of the insurgency against his US-backed government.

He said the prisoners would be released from US-run detention centres and Iraqi custody.