Special Report: Tension escalates in Iraq 　　

    BAGHDAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities on Saturday reopened the notorious prison of Abu Ghraib, which was known as a symbol of American abuse of some Iraqi prisoners.

    The name of the prison compound is now changed to Baghdad Central Prison as the authorities believe that the old name has left a bitter feeling in the memories of Iraqis.

    The new facility has recreational areas, including a sewing room, exercise equipment, computers, a library and green houses.

    The renovated prison is now reopened for 300 prisoners and their number will increase to more than 3,000 inmates, rehabilitation chief Abdul-Mutalb Jassim told reporters.

    The prison is designed to hold 12,000 inmates after achieving final renovation, Jassim said.

    Iraqis see the Abu Ghraib prison as a torture center under the regime of Saddam Hussein and later a center for sexual humiliation of Iraqi inmates under American soldiers.

    Accounts of abuse and torture of some prisoners held in the Abu Ghraib prison came to public attention after photos depicting these were released by some U.S. soldiers.