27 May 2021
The Political Bureau of the Iraqi Communist Party has issued the following statement on 27th May 2021:
Yesterday Baghdad witnessed dangerous developments and the mobilization of the armed forces and their deployment in several areas of Baghdad, and especially in the Green Zone.
This is not the first time that force and violence have been used to dictate political positions and to usurp the state’s right to impose law and order, to prosecute the accused, and to assert the judiciary’s authority and restore its prestige.
The continuation of such practices in violation of the law would lead to further weakening of the state and its institutions, and to a state of instability and chaos. It would also further undermine the citizens’ lack of confidence in government institutions, especially military and security institutions, and in their ability to provide protection and security. In addition, it encourages further undermining of the foundations of a state based on law and citizenship.
We stress here that no one is above the law and accountability, and that the political forces and blocs must respect that and adhere to it, and combine words with deeds. All talk about respect for the authority of the state is simply hollow words with the continuous violation of its role and the erosion of its authority and ability to apply the force of law.
On the other hand, such practices increase the reluctance of citizens to go to the polls in the elections. They are the opposite of what is necessary to provide the requirements for a safe environment for conducting fair, transparent and credible elections, expressing the free will of citizens.
Once again, these developments reaffirm the absolute necessity for all military and security sectors and institutions of all kinds to be subject to a single central authority, as defined by the Constitution, represented by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This would ensure averting a state of lawlessness and lack of discipline and coordination.
We also stress the importance of firm measures to keep arms under the control of the state and its legitimate institutions that are authorized to do so, and not to hesitate in prosecuting those who do not comply with this. Furthermore, determined action is required to uncover the killers of protesters and activists and those behind them, and to prosecute the corrupt.
Voices must be raised in our country rejecting all kinds of violence, oppression, violations of human rights and dignity, the hijacking of the state and the law, and tampering with peaceful political life, which is in total contradiction with the Constitution.