Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an Iraqi officer, was arrested in Saudi Arabia after posting a video supporting Palestinian and Hezbollah causes during Umrah. His contentious history includes a life sentence for ordering deadly force against protesters, later reversed due to insufficient evidence. This incident reflects ongoing concerns about accountability and human rights in Iraq.
Saudi Arabian authorities have apprehended Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, a member of Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Forces, during his pilgrimage of Umrah in Mecca. The arrest occurred following Nizar’s social media post in which he expressed prayers for the success of the Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This video reportedly triggered his detention, leading the Saudi public prosecution to transfer him to the State Security Agency. The exact circumstances surrounding Nizar’s situation remain uncertain, as reported by his lawyer on Iraq’s state television. Lieutenant Colonel Nizar’s name has generated significant controversy within Iraq due to his suspected connection to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre that took place amid the 2019 anti-government protests. In June 2023, he was initially sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly instructing security forces to fire on demonstrators in Nasiriyah, which resulted in approximately 20 fatalities and injuries to over 190 individuals. These protests arose in response to public dissatisfaction over inadequate infrastructure, rampant corruption, and soaring unemployment rates, culminating in the loss of over 600 lives throughout Iraq. Notably, the Court of Appeals in Iraq annulled Nizar’s life sentence a few months later, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to sustain the conviction. The court expressed doubts regarding the presented evidence and pointed to inconsistencies in eyewitness testimonies against him, ultimately leading to his release. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre stands as one of the most severe episodes of violence during the protests and was a catalyst for the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Despite global condemnation, including rebukes from the United Nations regarding Iraq’s “persistent impunity” for assaults on protesters and activists, few substantial convictions have emerged concerning the violence that transpired during these demonstrations. Nizar’s arrest in Saudi Arabia has reignited debate and scrutiny; however, officials from Iraq have not yet provided any commentary on the situation. Efforts by The New Arab to obtain remarks from Miqdad Miri, the official spokesperson for Iraq’s Interior Ministry, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable for comment.
The recent arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar in Saudi Arabia has drawn attention to his contentious history in Iraq, particularly regarding his involvement in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre during the 2019 protests. These protests erupted from a collective outrage regarding government inefficiency, corruption, and social hardships facing the populace. Nizar, previously convicted and later exonerated, has emerged as a polarizing figure, illustrating the challenges of accountability for security forces in Iraq. His recent social media activities, juxtaposed with his ambiguous legal status, underscore the ongoing complexities of regional politics and security dynamics.
In summary, the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar while performing Umrah in Mecca raises critical questions regarding individual rights, freedom of expression, and the interplay between national security and personal beliefs. His controversial past and the implications of his social media activities highlight the broader issues of accountability and justice in Iraq. As developments unfold, the international community will likely scrutinize how this situation is handled both legally and politically, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
