IRAQ
CONFIDENTIAL
Report by HM Embassy, Baghdad.
General Observations
Reliable information on any aspect of Iraqi policy, but particularly that concerned with internal affairs, is difficult to obtain. Dependable sources are virtually non- existent. Basically there is no rule of law here: the law is what the Revolutionary Command Council say it is.
Right No.
(i)
Rating Suggested
by Post
Imprisonment without trial is almost certainly extensive. Trials for political offences take place before the Revolutionary Court, and, unless a show trial is intended, are held in camera.
9
(ii)
Torture in the form of beating is likely to be an extensive and normal feature of inter- rogation. There is no evidence of more refined methods.
9
(iii) Slavery is probably rare but may exist in
some rural areas.
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Restriction of freedom of speech is virtually total. Even casual criticism can be visited with punishment. The media are totally con- trolled by the regime.
The degree of independence of the Judiciary is difficult to determine. It is unlikely to be as corrupt as was the case prior to the present regime coming to power, but is certainly susceptible to pressure from the party estab- lishment. In straightforward criminal matters it is doubtless reasonably independent.
Trade union freedom is non-existent.
(vii) In the terms of Article 12 of the Declaration
of Human Rights, freedom to emigrate is restricted. No one may leave Iraq without an exit visa, which is not granted as a matter of right. Moreover we know of cases in which the Iraqi Government have arbitrarily removed Iraqi citizenship and with it the right to return to Iraq. Freedom of movement within Iraq is restricted. There has been a degree of forcible resettlement (eg the Kurds to the South).
1
10
3
10
10
CONFIDENTIAL
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