Horrific Massacres Committed Against Peaceful Protestors Constitute A Crime Against Humanity.
An International Investigations Committee Should Be Established To Hold Those Responsible For These Crimes Accountable.
Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK (AOHR UK) held the Iraqi government responsible for killing and wounding dozens of demonstrators in Al-Khilani Square in Baghdad on Friday evening, as demonstrators were shot by gunmen; given the government’s collaboration with militias that have special agendas contrary to the demands of the demonstrators.
AOHR UK stated that Iraqi protesters were attacked by gunmen in Al-Khilani Square and Al-Senak Bridge near Tahrir Square in Baghdad on Friday evening, 06 December. About 20 people were killed and dozens wounded. This crime came one day after supporters of the pro-Iranian militias took to the street and clashed with protesters.
AOHR UK added that despite the Iraqi government’s declaration to stop the use of live ammunition against the demonstrators. This decision was issued by Adel Abdel Mahdi, who resigned from his position as a Prime Minister on 29 November 2019, while remaining temporarily in his position to conduct work. The real situation contradicts this empty declaration.
The continued killing of demonstrators proves that the Iraqi authorities are unable to enforce the rule of law on its forces or on militias officially classified as government led militias; particularly pro-Iranian popular forces.
AOHR UK pointed out that the death toll of civilian killed since last October rose to 470, while injuring around17.000 civilians; either by bullets from the regular forces or the Popular Militia Forces and its factions.
AOHR UK condemned the international silence towards the random killings of civilians in Iraq, as it is disgraceful to the international community.
This silence gives the Iraqi regime the opportunity to escape responsibility, while claiming that investigations into those crimes are being carried out.
AOHR UK called on the UN Secretary General to establish an international investigation committee to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable and to investigate all deaths and injuries resulting from the use of lethal force by the Iraqi security forces and their militias against demonstrators.
