The killing of Iraqi freedom fighters brings ‘fear’ before the elections

Iraqi militants linked to the ruling party have settled down and taken away their freedom fighters, experts say, and have staged a crackdown on parliamentary elections in October.

Although the government promises to protect freedom fighters and punish those who attack, observers say the militants are trying to prevent voting and threaten a two-year-old political party in the economy.

The UN recorded the killing of 32 “protesters and protesters” between October 2019 and May 2021, in which 16 others survived an assassination attempt. Twenty others are missing after being arrested. About 500 people were killed during the violence during the October 2019 protests, which toppled the previous government.

“We cannot say that there is one person responsible for all the kidnappings and murders,” said Lahib Higel, a senior researcher in Baghdad at the Crisis Group. But “for the freedom fighters and those who are trying to form parties… It is clear that it is the political parties in the military that are driving this. They want to disrupt them so that they do not get involved in politics.”

The violent act “contributed to the panic”, added Higel.

No one has been charged with any of this. Some smaller parties have already boycotted the by-elections, the first of which has taken place since the October 2019 protests. [political elites and militias] has heard the dangers of election activists “.

Shia troops did well in the uprising following a US lead to oust Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein. Their power and prestige were enhanced by their role in the war against the Sunni jihadis Isis, which began in 2014. But as political issues emerged after the defeat of Isis in 2018, public opinion was opposed by the military, now under the government-backed Hashd-protected umbrella. al-Shaabi, or Famous Army. Opponents have criticized the Shia military for colluding with Tehran, which has used Revolutionary Guards to support Iraqi militant groups attacking US-backed militias.

Iraq’s newly elected prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who was ousted after the protests overtook the protesters, has said he supports the protests, but has been frustrated trying to crack down on powerful political forces. Their victory at the 2018 ballot box means that armed groups “have more power in government than the Prime Minister. They have the opportunity to have more MPs… To have access to justice, access to political leaders,” said Renad. Mansour, senior investigator at Chatham House. “Few militias can threaten the Prime Minister. They are in the middle of government, ”he added.

Exhibitors were expecting a a new electoral law, which was approved at the end of 2020 and increased the number of constituencies, could unleash the power that the parties have already established. But researchers warn big parties, with deep pockets and strong connections in the area, will be successful.

“The same parties that benefit the few who participate, are trying to upset the people, frustrated with the possibility of change,” the Iraqi political adviser, who asked not to be named. “And we think that even [latest] This can be explained by the following. ”

As violent protests against human rights activists continue, often in the afternoon or on CCTV, public trust in the Iraqi government has waned. About 22 percent of Iraqis said they believed in their government he investigated in April by Al Mustakilla Research Group and Gallup International.