Assassinations, bomb attacks and threats: in Iraq an "environment of fear and intimidation" targeting activists and protesters has put a stranglehold on freedom of expression, the UN mission warned Thursday.

In a report documenting 26 incidents since May 2021 that it said were "aimed at suppressing dissent and criticism carried out by 'unidentified armed elements'", the United Nations warned of the deadly threats that activists face.

Among the 26 cases investigated, they include "one targeted killing, three attempted targeted killings, five violent assaults, one house raid, 14 attacks using improvised explosive devices (and) one abduction", the report read.

It refers to the "persistent impunity with respect to targeted attacks against protestors" as well as against people "seeking accountability for these attacks, and activists and critics espousing views critical of armed elements and affiliated political actors".

The report, focusing on the period of May 2021 to May 2022 and based on 27 interviews including with judicial officials in the capital Baghdad and southern Iraq, was compiled by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The report notes, however, that "significant progress" has been made in providing compensation to the families of those killed during the bloody anti-government protests that rocked the country for months from late 2019.

More than 500 families have so far received compensation of some $7,000 dollars each, it said.

- 'Impunity' -

The demonstrations were sparked by rampant corruption, a lack of job opportunities and poor living conditions.

Nearly 600 people were killed and tens of thousands injured when the authorities cracked down on the protests. Dozens of activists and protesters were targeted in assassinations or attempted killings.

While the violence against protesters was never claimed, many critics accuse powerful pro-Iranian armed factions.

"Information indicates that individuals detained and convicted for these incidents may belong to well-known armed elements operating outside state control," the UN report said.

The consequence, the UN warns, is that it "propagates an environment of fear and intimidation that continues to severely restrict the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."

The report also looked at fallout from the fatal July 2020 shooting of security adviser and researcher Hisham al-Hashemi, and the trial of a policeman for his murder.

After repeated delays, the trial has again been postponed -- this time with no new start-date -- "due to the 'inability of bringing the defendant to the court'", the report added.

Related Links
Our Polluted World and Cleaning It Up

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Abu Dhabi moves to restrict single-use plastics
Abu Dhabi (AFP) June 1, 2022
Restrictions on single-use plastic bags took effect in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi Wednesday, as part of its efforts for a "greener future". The "single-use plastic bags ban starts today... to encourage sustainable living in Abu Dhabi", the emirate's media office said. "Retailers in the emirate are encouraged to offer environmentally friendly reusable bags with a nominal fee to encourage positive behavioural change in the community, and support emirate-wide efforts for a greene ... read more