130 lawyers protest against restrictions on freedom of expression in Iraq

POSTED ON[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] BY [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

[size=52]130 lawyers protest against restrictions on freedom of expression in Iraq[/size]

[size=45]A network of dozens of Iraqi lawyers issued a protest note against the restrictions on freedom of expression and publication, accusing the country's highest judicial authority of "legal violations" related to arrest warrants for Iraqi journalists and citizens.[/size]
[size=45]Here is the text of the statement:[/size]
[size=45]The attempts of various Iraqi institutions, including the judiciary, have recently escalated to issue arrest warrants, prevent and dismiss journalists and Iraqi citizens, especially what has been recently leaked of information, the validity of which has not yet been confirmed, regarding the intention of judicial authorities to issue more arrest warrants and summonses.[/size]
[size=45]These orders confiscate freedom of expression, which the Iraqi constitution referred to explicitly and implicitly in many places, including Article 38. We believe that the issuance of the orders was based on arguments, most of which were based on repressive laws inherited from the time of the former dictatorial regime, as well as being in violation of Iraq’s international obligations and ratification of the The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which explicitly stipulate freedom of expression as a fundamental right that cannot be confiscated, and set out criteria for regulating and restricting this right.[/size]
[size=45]We in the Network of Volunteer Lawyers for Freedom of Expression in Iraq, oppose these ongoing abuses against freedom of expression and violations of press freedom, and express our concern about the continuation of these abuses and their possible escalation, and accordingly, we declare:[/size]
[size=45]1. Our protest against the attempts to deprive the Iraqis of their inherent right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution and international covenants and charters. 2. Our strong condemnation of any violation of the principle of the rule of law, and our refusal to deal with issues of difference of opinion outside legal frameworks and methods that are consistent with the spirit of the Iraqi constitution.[/size]
[size=45]3. Our documentation of the violation of international standards for freedom of the press and freedom of expression stipulated in international covenants and covenants signed by Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]4. Our objection to the Supreme Judicial Council resorting to illegal methods in dealing with issues of the press and freedom of expression, while it was expected to follow the known legal methods in dealing with these issues. Our network has indicated the following violations, which were mentioned in the statements of the Supreme Judicial Council and other institutions:[/size]
[size=45]A- To file arbitrary charges that are not legally proven by the neutral program provider, before a specialized court decides on this.[/size]
[size=45]B - The Judicial Council, during its statement, directed arbitrary accusations of personalities and institutions, without specifying them, for working in favor of foreign agendas and compromising the sovereignty of the State of Iraq and its institutions, without conducting a fundamental and transparent investigation. With this statement, the Council violated the principle that it is not permissible to publish any details of any lawsuit unless it is issued in it. Judgment acquired peremptory degree, and the principle that the accused is innocent until proven guilty.[/size]
[size=45]C- The Iraqi Media Network issued a decision to stop the neutral program outside the legal context and before issuing any court ruling condemning the program and its employees, especially since the Media and Communications Commission set clear conditions in the dealings of journalists with guests in the case of direct transmission, and the journalists working in the neutral program did not violate these conditions. .[/size]
[size=45]Based on all of the above, the Volunteer Lawyers Network for Freedom of Expression launches its campaign, in cooperation with specialized friendly institutions and volunteer lawyers and human rights defenders, with the aim of monitoring all measures and steps taken by the various state institutions, including the judiciary, in cases related to freedom of expression and freedom of the press in order to evaluate them legally and stand against the possibility of Use it to suppress constitutional freedoms, and expose public opinion about any potential violations in this regard.[/size]
[size=45]The network's lawyers also confirm their readiness to stand by those included in these arbitrary orders by assuming the responsibility of defending those whose cases are still pending.[/size]
[size=45]We call on institutions, organizations and associations specialized in defending freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and lawyers and jurists who believe in freedom of expression and freedom of the press, to join our campaign, to be the party that monitors the legality of actions and measures taken in the field of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Iraq, and to ensure that they do not deviate from the Iraqi constitution and international standards. Freedom of expression as approved by international covenants and covenants.[/size]
[size=45][You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]