Iraqi lawmakers and human rights experts have warned against the resurgence of assassinations in the country.
Last week, a colonel was assassinated in Ramadi for unknown reasons. On Tuesday, the renowned cardiologist in Diyala, Dr. Ahmed Talal al-Medfai, was killed, sparking outrage in the province.
Earlier, an activist was assassinated in Babil, south of Baghdad, and environmental activist Jassem al-Asadi was kidnapped and later released after his abduction angered the public.
Meanwhile, member of parliament Ahmed Mazhar confirmed that security in Diyala province has been unstable because of ISIS and its affiliated groups.
Mazhar told Asharq Al-Awsat that the remaining ISIS hideouts are in the Hamrin mountain range between Diyala, Saladin, and Kirkuk.
However, he said armed criminal gangs are attacking and terrorizing the civilians, hinting at political motives, especially since the provincial elections are to be held soon.
Mazhar affirmed that lawmakers are preparing for an emergency session of parliament to discuss the matter.
Furthermore, the head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights Center, Fadel al-Gharawi, indicated that the increase in assassination rates this month threatens Iraqi citizens, stressing that the right to security and safety is one of the fundamental rights that the state must provide for citizens.
Gharawi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the assassinations have various reasons ranging from terrorist, criminal, or tribal motives.
The expert asserted that responding to such operations is primarily the authorities' responsibility, regardless of the motive of the crime, noting that this requires boosting efforts and supporting the security services.
He also believed that security plans should be reviewed, which requires funding the project to install thermographic cameras in all provinces.
Gharawi noted that the Judicial Council must consider the assassinations as terrorist cases, regardless of the motive.
