"Impunity" continues in Iraq in connection with attacks targeting protesters, activists and critics of "armed elements and political actors" attributed to the attacks, according to a UN report published Thursday, creating an "environment of fear and intimidation" that restricts freedom of expression.
In contrast, the report issued by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN HIGH COMMISSIONER for Human Rights) noted that "compensation has been paid to the families of most of the victims killed during the demonstrations" that engulfed the country in 2019.
At the same time, however, between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, the report documented 26 incidents by "unidentified armed elements" aimed at "suppressing opposition and criticism", based on 27 individual interviews and meetings with the judiciary in Baghdad governorate and southern provinces.
Among the incidents were "one targeted killing, three targeted murder attempts, five violent attacks, a house raid, 14 improvised explosive device attacks, one kidnapping attack, one property destruction incident and numerous non-violent threats".
In may 2021, "unidentified gunmen (shot dead) were prominent activists in Karbala and coordinator of demonstrations," the report said.
In October 2019, Iraq witnessed an unprecedented wave of large demonstrations in the capital and most areas of the south of the country, during which protesters demanded regime change. But the group has been subjected to a bloody crackdown that has killed more than 600 people and injured at least 30,000.
The momentum of the demonstrations has declined significantly since then, but many activists have continued to demand accountability and accountability for those responsible for suppressing demonstrations and killing activists.
The Government headed by Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who took charge in May 2020, has pledged to prosecute those involved in the killing of protesters and activists.
"However, Iraqi authorities have taken limited steps in investigating the killing and injury of illegal protesters, critics and activists," the report said.
The United Nations expressed concern that "judges, investigating officers and activists demanding accountability have been threatened, intimidated or violently attacked by persons believed to be associated or supporting armed elements".
The report noted that while "most crimes are carried out without the identity of the perpetrators" "information indicates that detainees and convicts may belong to known armed groups operating outside state control".
Political analyst Hisham al-Hashimi, who was assassinated on July 6th in Baghdad, was killed in front of his home, the report said. "In February 2022, the trial was postponed for the fourth time until 16 May 2022 and postponed as a result without mentioning a specific date because the accused could not be brought to court," the report stated.
In return, 509 families of victims of the demonstrations received a grant of 10 million Iraqi dinars (about $7,000).