Iraq scientist jail death inquiry ... held by the military for nine months ... died from a blow to the head

BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Iraq scientist jail death inquiry: "Iraq scientist jail death inquiry | 25 March, 2005 | Death row at Abu Ghraib prison

News of Mr Izmerly's death followed abuse claims at Abu Ghraib jail
The US army has opened an investigation into the death of an Iraqi scientist who died in US custody.

Questions have surrounded the death of 65-year-old Mohammad Munim al-Izmerly since his body was left at a Baghdad hospital in February 2004.

An autopsy commissioned by his family concluded that Mr Izmerly - who was not on the list of prisoners most wanted by the US - died from a blow to the head.

The US army has not said what prompted the inquiry, nor given any details.

An army spokesman said the Pentagon had an 'ongoing investigation' into Mr Izmerly's death, but gave no timetable for its completion.
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He was taken into US custody in April 2003 and held by the military for nine months in an unknown location.

The scientist's family was told in February 2004 by the International Committee of the Red Cross that Mr Izmerly had died more than two weeks earlier.