Fact-Finding Committee to Investigate Iraqi Protests

A protester waves the national flag during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP)
A protester waves the national flag during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP)
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Fact-Finding Committee to Investigate Iraqi Protests

A protester waves the national flag during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP)
A protester waves the national flag during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi formed on Sunday a fact-finding committee to investigate the bloody events and the killing of demonstrators in anti-government protests that emerged across the country one year ago.

More than 500 protesters were shot dead by security forces and gunmen suspected of links to militias during protests calling for change late in 2019. Thousands of others were injured.

Kadhimi confirmed that whoever was involved in any crime will be brought to justice.

"The formation of this committee represents the rebirth of the values of the state that seeks justice and fairness,” he said during his meeting with members of the fact-finding committee formed to investigate the events of October of last year.

The fact-finding committee includes five retired judges, backed by several investigators and experts.

Kadhimi’s advisor Hisham Daoud said the judges were chosen based on integrity, experience and professionalism. He said the judges were not influenced by any party whatsoever, and that they will investigate the events objectively, and the necessary protection will be provided to them independently and professionally.

Asked about the time that the committee needs to announce the outcomes of its investigation, he said it is difficult for the executive authority to impose on the judicial authority a time limit to search for the truth.

Activist Moussa Rahmallah told Asharq Al-Awsat that the committee needs at least three years to end its work.

“In principle, establishing the committee is something good, however, the problem is with the measures that follow and the timetable for announcing the outcome of the investigation,” he said.

Rahmallah added that activists are preparing for a massive demonstration to celebrate the first anniversary of the October intifada.



Jordanian Government: Supporting Palestine Should Not Come at Expense of National Stability

Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani (X)
Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani (X)
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Jordanian Government: Supporting Palestine Should Not Come at Expense of National Stability

Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani (X)
Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani (X)

Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said on Saturday that supporting the Palestinian cause should not come at the expense of his country’s national stability but should be expressed through unity behind the Hashemite leadership, the Arab Army, and the security agencies.

Momani stressed that King Abdullah II’s positions in defending Palestinian rights and supporting steadfastness in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza remain firm, employing all political, diplomatic, and humanitarian tools, according to Jordan’s official news agency, Petra.

Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said Jordan’s position on Palestine is clear and unwavering, centered on the right of Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also stressed that Jordan’s support stems from religious, moral, and humanitarian obligations and that the creation of a Palestinian state is a vital national interest for Jordan.

On April 15, Jordan announced the arrest of 16 people for allegedly planning to target national security and sow “chaos.”

Amman said the suspects were arrested for “manufacturing rockets using local tools as well as tools imported for illegal purposes, possession of explosives and firearms, concealing a rocket ready to be deployed, planning to manufacture drones, and recruiting and training operatives in Jordan as well as training them abroad.”

Later, Interior Minister Mazen Fraya said Jordan outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood.

Fraya said all the activities of the group would be banned and anyone promoting its ideology would be held accountable by law.

The ban includes publishing anything by the group and closure and confiscation of all its offices and property, he added.