First comment of the Iraqi government on the results of the demonstrations investigation
Shafaq News/ Iraqi government spokesman ,Saad al-Hadithi revealed on Tuesday that the government is relying on the recommendations of the government investigation committee on the events.
Al-Hadithi told Shafaq News that "Prime Minister ,Adel Abdul-Mahdi will adopt this report in making a number of decisions regarding accountability and prosecution of each party and person proved in the report that he committed legal irregularities in the events that occurred during the demonstrations, or committed any form of "Crimes against demonstrators , members of the security forces or against public or private funds."
The Iraqi government spokesman added that "Abdul Mahdi will refer the negligent to the competent judicial authorities to issue appropriate penalties against them and take decisions in order to send messages reassuring to the Iraqi government is determined to address everyone who caused casualties in the demonstrations."
The Ministerial investigation committee on the protests in Iraq has approved the use of security forces for excessive force against the demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of 149 people and more than 4000 demonstrators injured.
According to the report of the committee, the largest rate of the protests victims was recorded in the capital Baghdad, including the death of 107 and 3458 injuries while four members of the security forces were killed and injured 363.
The investigation committee acknowledged the excessive use of force and live materiel, the failure to control the shooting on protesters, the weak command and control of the commanders, the uncontrolled burning of security, government and partisan headquarters and throwing of Molotov cocktails by the protestors at security forces.
The committee’s reports also said that the burning of state institutions by some elements diverted the protests from their peaceful nature, as the media and communications did not take action against the inciting hatred channels, stressing also "no official orders from the higher authorities to shoot demonstrators."
The report of the ministerial investigative committee recommended the exemption of the commander of Baghdad operations and referring him to the Board of Inquiry, and the exemption of the deputy commander of Baghdad operations, and the commander of Baghdad police.
The report also recommended the exemption of Babylon's police chief, al-Nasiriyah police chief, al- Diwaniyah police chief, Missan police chief, Najaf police chief, the commander of the 11th Division, the commander of the 1st Federal Police Division, the 45th Infantry Brigade commander, and the commander of al- Rafidain operations.
