Sunday, May 07, 2023

Justice for Hisham al-Hashimi's family?

For three years now, we've been noting the murder of Hisham Al-Hashimi.  Let's note this from Mina al-Oraibi's 2022  report for THE NATIONAL

 Another challenge is that of the disappeared in Iraq, some of whom were taken under the pretext of “fighting terrorism” at the height of sectarian tension several years ago, and others who were kidnapped during the protests of October 2019.

“Investigations are ongoing regarding the disappeared … we have been able to find those who took protesters [of October 2019] and last week we arrested a man who worked in one of the government entities and who played a large role in the kidnapping and assassination of protesters,” Mr Al Kadhimi said.

He also said that one of the men responsible for killing analyst Hisham Al Hashimi in the summer of 2020 has been arrested.

As for those who have been kidnapped, particularly from Sunni-majority provinces, Mr Al Kadhimi did not have clear numbers of how many there are.

“This matter has to do with some political parties who are part of the political process … some use this issue for corruption and political aims,” he said.

While refraining from going into detail, Mr Al Kadhimi made clear that there are political forces behind the disappearances of ordinary Iraqi citizens and that it is a matter his government is working to resolve.


The overly praised Mustafa al-Kahdimi achieved little and, in October 2022, was finally kicked out of office.  Finally?  He was put in charge to immediately call for elections.  He was not supposed to serve a lengthy term and he was not supposed to seek re-election.  But, once in office, he stalled on calling elections and when they were called he was running for re-election.


He delivered nothing.


But now with a new prime minister?


Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Yasmine Mosimann (AP) report:

 

An Iraqi police officer was convicted and sentenced to death Sunday in the killing of a prominent security analyst and frequent critic of powerful militias. The ruling came nearly three years after the analyst was gunned down outside his Baghdad home following militia threats.

The family of the victim, Hisham al-Hashimi, said it supported the verdict, but expressed concern it could be overturned on appeal. A relative of al-Hashimi, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that those who ordered the killing remain at large.


KURDISTAN 24 explains, "As an activist, Hashimi expressed support for the October 2019 protestors, who demanded employment opportunities, improved public services, and ceasing foreign interference in Iraq’s affairs.  At least 500 protesters were killed by Iraqi security forces and militias, while more than a thousand others were wounded."  ALJAZEERA adds:


Al-Hashimi, a prominent academic and government adviser who was an expert on Sunni armed groups such as ISIL (ISIS) operating in Iraq and who had close contacts with top Iraqi decision-makers, was shot dead outside his home in July 2020 by four men on two motorcycles.

Al-Hashimi had also been outspoken against powerful Shia armed actors aligned with Iran, which had angered Tehran-backed Shia factions in Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary network.


Some Tweets.








Jatin Taneja (CALIFORNIA EXAMINER) reports, "Soon after his detention two years ago, a video of al-Kinani purportedly confessing to his alleged role in the crime was made public, but many believe he had the support of armed organizations. Al-Hashimi’s family, according to a relative, accepted the conviction but insisted that those who gave the assassination orders should also be held accountable."




Kat's "Kat's Korner: THE GARLAND TOUCH"  went up early this morning.  The following sites updated:





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