With growing concern Hammurabi Human Rights Organization follows the security and political tension that is prevailing in the country, and the unrest that is taking place in a number of the Iraqi governorates due to what has taken place to the protestors in Al Haweeja – violent and oppressive actions by the security bodies, the army included. Other areas in Iraq are witnessing some pressuring and aggravating instigations, especially in the uprising governorates in which the demonstrations continue lead by clergymen and the prominent Iraqi Sunni characters.
And while our organization is condemning the use of violence by any party, we do denunciate targeting the civil protestors- under any pretext. We demand that the government ceases fire instantly, stops the military interventions and retreats its forces from the civil gathering places and to use a civilized dialogue.
In addition to that, our organization is asking the protestors to calm down and stick to the choice of returning back to dialogue and negotiations, continue to demand their rights peacefully, express their demands and their constitutional rights to demonstrate for the purpose of getting their legitimate rights, avoid using the instigating speeches, but rather to enhance using the more civilized ways that aim at getting the rights in wise and clam manners, and to channel the dialogue peacefully to their benefit.
We also plea the armed security forces – army and police- not to forget that their priority is to defend the country and citizens, and not to be lead away from that obligation no matter how the political alliances has changed.
Consequently, everybody is required to take their responsibilities in ensuring the stability, security and safety of the country; and to communicate correctly with each other.
Yes, choosing to sit to the table to have a dialogue is the best choice for all.
Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO)
26th April 2013