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Iraq must take steps to ensure Saddam Hussein is tried in a credible court
In a letter today to Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Human Rights First proposed several actions his government should take to ensure that the Iraqi Special Tribunal – which will try Saddam Hussein and others – is a credible court.
“[T]hose most responsible for gross human rights crimes must be brought to justice in a forum that not only will expose the wrongs of past years but also will afford accused persons their legal rights to fair and public proceedings,” wrote Michael Posner, Executive Director of Human Rights First.
Human Rights First’s recommendations include:
- Setting in place the necessary guarantees for fair trial and due process of law in the tribunal’s rules of procedure and evidence
- Re-instituting the suspension of capital punishment
- Ensuring the tribunal’s impartiality and independence through detailed rules governing the appointment and removal of judges
- Undertaking a comprehensive outreach and public information effort so that the tribunal operates transparently in its preparations as well as its proceedings
- Seeking international assistance through partnership with the United Nations
Human Rights First welcomes the Iraqi government’s continuing commitment to the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. But more should be undertaken now to ensure that justice will be done.
Allegations of criminal activity on the part of officials or staff of the tribunal also must be fully and publicly investigated so that there can be no question about the court’s integrity.
“We are very mindful of the fact that building a strong justice system will take time and that you will face added challenges because of ongoing security threats in Iraq,” wrote Posner. “We believe, however, that the steps we propose can be taken now and that they will help to promote the effective functioning of the Iraqi Special Tribunal.”
Read letter to Iraqi Prime Minister (PDF 51KB)
Q & A on the Iraqi Special Tribunal
Prosecuting Saddam Hussein
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For the past quarter century, Human Rights First (the new name of Lawyers Committee for Human Rights) has worked in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and abroad. |
