Grave allegations of torture, extortion, and abuse shock the nation, prompting decisive action for accountability and justice

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 12, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The Iraqi government has officially confirmed the grave allegations of human rights abuses, including torture and extortion, against Committee 29, an anti-corruption committee that was once hailed as a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the nation, and the government is taking decisive steps towards accountability and justice for the victims. 
 
Established in 2020 by former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Committee 29 was tasked with investigating major corruption cases in Iraq. Led by Lt. Gen. Ahmed Abu Ragheef, a senior intelligence and investigations officer in the Ministry of Interior, the committee initially garnered attention for its high-profile arrests of senior government officials and businessmen accused of corruption. 
  
However, recent investigations (case number: 169/اتحادية/2021) have uncovered a dark and sinister legacy within Committee 29. Instead of employing lawful methods, the committee resorted to inhumane practices, including physical torture such as beatings and electric shocks, as well as psychological torture through prolonged periods of incommunicado detention. Shockingly, there have also been reports of sexual violence being used as a method of torture. Victims were coerced into signing pre-written confessions under duress. Among the victims were: Jawad Abdul-Kadhim Alwan, Saad Jamil Huwaidi, Shakir Al-Zamly, Ali Jarallah, Bahaa Abdul Hadi, Raad Al-Hares, Nawfal Hamadi Al-Sultan, Ahmad Abdul Jalil, Bahaa Al-Din Al-Jourani, Jamal Al-Karbouli, Ali Salah Hadi and Qassim Hamoud Mansour Alzerjawi. Alzerjawi passed away in a hospital after being detained by the committee. 
  
A nine-month investigation by The Washington Post revealed the extent of these human rights abuses perpetrated by Committee 29. Interviews with detainees, their family members, as well as Iraqi and Western officials, provided chilling details of the torture and extortion employed by the committee. 


In response to these shocking revelations, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani established a special investigative committee to probe the allegations and complaints against Committee 29. The investigative committee diligently worked for six months, holding 38 meetings to ensure a thorough examination of the evidence. 
  
Government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi announced the findings of the investigation acknowledging "shortcomings and human rights violations" committed by Committee 29. As a result, the government has taken immediate action, releasing the approval for the arrest on June 21st, 2023, including the retirement and court proceedings against nine senior officers from the interior ministry, including Lt. Gen. Ahmed Taha Hashim, who headed Committee 29. Additionally, administrative punishments have been approved for staff members who failed to report the violations. 
  
The international community has taken note of these shocking revelations and subsequent actions by the Iraqi government. The United States State Department and the United Nations have previously reported on significant human rights violations in Iraq, including torture and inhumane treatment. 
  
The victims of Committee 29's torture and extortion endured a range of horrific abuses, The revelations highlight the significance of fostering accountability, pursuing justice, and addressing human rights abuses and corruption in Iraq. 

Jamal Tayeb
Mansour Consulting
+447423116899 ext.
email us here

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