With increasing support for Ashraf and Liberty residents by Arab and Iraqi organizations, groups and dignitaries, numerous statements have been issued by the following political and human rights movements and organizations:
– Association of Jordanian Lawyers in Defense of Ashraf
– Iraqi Counsel in Defense of Human Rights
– Tunisian Women’s Movement
– Self-Employed Workers of Iraq
– Iraqi Christian Democratic Movement
– Tahrir dignitaries and council in Iraq’s Diyala Province
– Iraqi Center of Newspapers and Media Outlets – Baghdad
– Hippocratic Oath Association
In addition to criticizing and protesting UNAMI’s inaction facing the Iraqi government’s inhumane measures, the issued statements of Arab and Iraqi democratic organizations and movements have stressed that Ashraf residents have proven their goodwill and transferred to Liberty despite all the difficulties and the relocation being against their will.
However, the Iraqi government has violated all its assurances and commitments and UNAMI has not lived up to its obligations in defending humanitarian standards.
Referring to the efforts of Maliki’s government to rob Ashraf residents’ property, these statements press that such actions by the Iraqi government are in flagrant violation of Iraqi and international laws and customs on respecting Ashraf residents’ right to property over their assets.
The statements read: “Ashraf residents have risen to fight against the dictatorship ruling Iran and enjoy refugee rights in Iraq. During their stay in this country, they have transferred the Ashraf desert into a modern city very profitable for the surrounding villages.
“With their humbleness, the Iraqi people view Ashraf residents as their dear guests and consider the pressures against them as measures taking place based on orders issued by the ruling mullahs in Tehran. The reason for this is that the policy of Iran’s rulers is nothing but to suppress freedom and those struggling for freedom. Due to the fact Nouri Maliki owes his survival and power to the Iranian regime’s support, it imposes the mullahs’ demands to crackdown on Tehran’s main opposition.”
Iraqi organizations stressed in their statements: “We consider the continuing siege against Ashraf and Liberty residents an evil measure against Iraqi people’s principles. Emphasizing on respecting Ashraf and Liberty residents’ rights and dignity, we announce that we stand with them until their justified rights are fulfilled.
“We call on the United Nations and US government to act based on their commitments and duties, ensure Ashraf and Liberty residents’ rights and protection, and impel the Iraqi government to bring an end to its illegal and inhumane measures.
