“Article 4… cites explosions and kidnappings that target judges and doctors, but does not mention [similar actions targeting] children and ordinary people,” he said. “It creates great scope for releasing criminals – many explosions took place in the street and targeted people going about their daily business.”
Bayati believes an amnesty for convicted killers will only encourage a sense of impunity.
“A similar law passed four years ago led to the release of criminals and killers, who went on to commit more crimes,” he said. “We need a fair law that offers a chance to those who seriously wish to change for the better. But at the same time, we don’t want to send out the wrong message, that criminals can commit offences without punishment.”
Aqil al-Turayhi, inspector general at the Iraqi interior ministry, questions why the worse criminals should be freed en masse.
“It will be a great insult to the country, to the families of victims, and to the security forces if the law is approved in its current shape,” Turayhi said. “The amnesty should not include those whose hands are stained with Iraqi blood of Iraqis and who played a central role in destroying peace and security in this country. I hope the parliament does not approve such a law – it should be defending people’s rights.”
An investigative judge raised similar concerns about the wisdom of freeing dangerous individuals who had only been captured with a great deal of effort.
“As a result of the previous amnesty law, many criminals returned to their home areas and killed the entire families of witnesses who testified against them, as well as [police] officers who refused to connive with them,” he said.
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