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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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29th April 2003

PRESS RELEASE: Falluja killings – The very antithesis of “democracy”

IHRC condemns Monday night’s killing of 13 civilians by US occupying forces in the town of Falluja, Iraq.

The US’s onerous claims that they are intent on bringing democracy to Iraq are repudiated by their killings of unarmed civilians asserting their democratic right to protest. Local eye witness accounts seem to contradict US central command claims that members of the demonstration fired upon US troops.

The latest killings come in light of numerous incidences of US forces killing civilians in Iraq. IHRC voices it deep concern at the reactionary and often heavy-handed US army response to protests and dissent displayed by the civilian populous towards US and British military occupation.

IHRC is further alarmed by recent comments by the US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, that the US will disregard and overrule Iraqi popular opinion as to their preferred mode of government. IHRC believes that the “Falluja Killings”, viewed in the wake of Rumsfeld’s comments, establishes a precedent for the manner in which the US administration of Iraq will conduct itself.

IHRC Chairman Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“The latest killings are contrary to US obligations under the Geneva Convention to protect the civilian population. IHRC believes that those responsible for Monday night’s incident should not be allowed to act with impunity, especially given the fact that the war on Iraq is illegal under international law. The Falluja incident contradicts US claims that they want democracy and freedom for Iraq”.

For further information please contact the Press Officer on (+44) 20 8902 0888 or (+44) 7958 522 196, email: info@ihrc.org.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8902 0888
Fax (+44) 20 8902 0889
Email info@ihrc.org
Web www.ihrc.org