[JURIST] Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein [AP materials; JURIST news archive] was released from custody Wednesday by US military forces in Iraq. Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Stone, deputy commanding general for detainee operations for the Multi National Force–Iraq [official website], signed an order approving Hussein's release Monday after confirming that Hussein's conduct fell under Iraq's amnesty law [JURIST reports], passed in February as part of the national reconciliation effort. A four-member Iraqi judiciary panel dismissed the last remaining charge against Hussein [JURIST report] on Sunday and recommended the US release him from custody immediately.

Hussein [advocacy website] had been held by the US military since his arrest in April 2006 for allegedly possessing equipment to construct roadside bombs. In November 2007, the US Department of Defense pushed for terrorism charges against Hussein [JURIST report]. AP repeatedly called for his release and had accused the military of denying Hussein his due process rights. AP has more.