Statement of Condemnation
The Arbitrary Arrest of The Human Rights’ Activist, Shaswar Abdulwahid
IOHRD strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of the human rights’ activist and civil right advocate, Shaswar Abdulwahid in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq by the Kurdistan authorities on December 18th, 2017.
IOHRD considers Abdulwahid as a very active human rights and civil rights activist. He advocate Iraqi-Kurdish civil rights, better life, and supremacy of law. Abdulwahid was arbitrary arrested after thousands of Iraqi-kurdish protested against Kurdistan government’s public policy, corruption, and absence of law. Kurdistan authorities considered Abdulwahid the leader of this protest and he is responsible for demanding the resignation of the current kurdistan government and formatting a national rescue government.
Arresting Abdulwahid by Kurdistan authorities is a blatant attempt to violate the freedom of expression, terrify human rights activists, and a huge backward step of democracy application.
Kurdistan authorities started to be hegemony by silencing human rights activists and advocates’ voices, eliminating and excluding the opposing parties. This is just the beginning for more human rights violations, which will threaten the peaceful life of Iraqi-Kurdish people.
IOHRD invites Kurdistan authorities to urgent release Abdulwahid and all human rights activists,who are arrested after the recent protests. IOHRD also request the Iraqi federal government to interfere and start urgent and impartial investigation of Abdulwahid’s arrest circumstance. Moreover, IOHRD reminds the Iraqi government ( regional and federal) of its international obligations, especially article 21 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights in regards to the protection of the peaceful assembly, do not restrict its practice, or use excessive force. Furthermore, Iraq have international obligation to respect the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearance and Convention Against Torture. Therefore, Iraqi authorities (regional and federal) must declare the place of detention or arrest and allow all detainees practice their legal rights, receive legal help, and communicate with their families. IOHRD, “Iraqi government is responsible for protecting all activists’ life and safety”
Thus, IOHRD invites all civil rights and non-governmental organizations to stand with Abdulwahid and all arrested activists and condemn the unacceptable and unreasonable arrest.
IOHRD
20-12-2017
لقراءة بيان الإدانة باللغة العربية انقر على الرابط
بيان ادانة الاعتقال التعسفي للناشط العراقي الكوردي شاسوار عبد الواحد