The Iraqi government has announced a law allowing it to impose emergency security measures. Prime Minister Iyad Allawi signed the law on Wednesday giving the government the power to impose curfews, set up checkpoints and detain suspects. But the measures can only be applied temporarily and in specific parts of the country.
There has been no let-up in violence, with street fighting and mortar attacks on buildings in central Baghdad. Correspondents say that while the US-led coalition is already able to impose tough security measures, the law will give the new authorities a legal shield as it fights insurgents. An interior ministry official told the BBC there had been extensive discussions during the drafting to avoid what he called "undue infringement of human rights". "We realise that this law might restrict some liberties but there are a number of guarantees within this law for the rights of people," said Justice Minister Malik Dohan al-Hassan, as the law was announced at a news conference. BBC Middle East analyst Roger Hardy says that there can nevertheless be no doubt that Mr Allawi is giving himself sweeping powers. Iraqi officials introducing the new law said people should be protected in the current climate of violence. "The lives of the Iraqi people are in danger, they are in danger from evil forces, from gangs of terrorists," said Human Rights Minister Bakhtiyar Amin. Mr Amin described the law as being similar to the controversial US anti-terror Patriot Act.
| Oh dear god, no! Anything but that! Look at the horror that has resulted here! |
Our correspondent says that if the measures lead to human rights abuses that would certainly alienate many Iraqis. But for the moment, he says, it looks as if most Iraqis are ready to give the prime minister a chance. Interim President Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawar and other officials have signed the law. Key points are as follows:
The government can impose curfews in violence-hit areas, but only in specific parts of the country.
It can conduct cordon and search operations and arrest individuals, particularly those found to be in possession of weapons.
It can intercept mail and eavesdrop on telephone conversations.
The government should state its reasons for declaring an emergency and specify the area where it is to be applied. It should also make the public aware of when these measures start and their duration.
The period of the emergency should not exceed 60 days, or be terminated if the reason for imposing it ceases to exist. The emergency will be subject to renewal after 30 days.
The prime minister is given the right to assign governors, including military leaders, to be in charge of specific areas. Mr al-Hassan said the US-led coalition could help enforce the new law if the government requested it, but this would only happen in exceptional circumstances. The justice minister also showed journalists a list of foreign fighters arrested during the insurgency. All the fighters were "regrettably" Arabs, he said.
| I'd like a copy of the list, please? |
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