Saudi Arrests Iraqi Officer Over Social Media Posts During Umrah
Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar of Iraq’s Rapid Response Forces was arrested in Saudi Arabia during Umrah after posting a video supporting Palestinians and Hezbollah. His controversial past includes a life sentence for his role in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre, which was later overturned due to insufficient evidence. The situation raises concerns regarding free speech amidst ongoing political tensions in the region.
Saudi authorities have apprehended Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, a member of Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Forces, while he was undertaking Umrah in Mecca. His arrest reportedly stems from a video he shared on social media in which he expressed prayers for the triumph of Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This video, which garnered significant attention online, appears to have prompted his detention. The Saudi public prosecution has since referred him to the State Security Agency, and his legal representative informed Iraq’s state television that the details concerning Nizar’s situation remain uncertain. Omar Nizar’s name is not unfamiliar in Iraq, as he has been linked to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre that occurred during the anti-government protests in 2019. In June 2023, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for instructing security forces to open fire on protesters in Nasiriyah, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 individuals and injuries to around 190. The protests, which erupted in October 2019, arose from widespread discontent over inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and soaring unemployment rates, ultimately leading to over 600 fatalities nationwide and significant violence in Nasiriyah. However, just months after receiving his life sentence, Iraq’s Court of Appeals overturned the conviction, deeming the evidence insufficient. This ruling highlighted discrepancies in the evidence presented and the plaintiffs’ inability to provide consistent eyewitness accounts against Lieutenant Colonel Nizar, leading to his subsequent release. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre is recognized among the deadliest occurrences during the 2019 protests and played a crucial role in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Despite global condemnation, including critiques from the United Nations regarding Iraq’s ongoing impunity for assaults on protesters and activists, few legal consequences have been administered for the violence that transpired during these demonstrations. Nizar’s recent detention in Saudi Arabia has drawn renewed scrutiny, although officials from Iraq have not yet provided any comments regarding the situation.
The arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an Iraqi army officer, during his pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia underlines the fraught political climate surrounding security forces in Iraq and the ongoing tensions concerning the region’s geopolitical landscape. Nizar had previously faced serious allegations tied to a mass shooting during protests in Iraq, which have continued to haunt him despite his legal battles. His detention while publicly supporting causes associated with Palestine and Hezbollah incites concerns regarding freedom of speech and political expression within a volatile Middle Eastern narrative where support for Palestinian rights can lead to severe repercussions.
The arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar while he was in Saudi Arabia highlights critical issues surrounding individual expression, political accountability, and the serious repercussions of historical actions during protests in Iraq. Moreover, the incident reflects ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where positions regarding Palestine and related conflicts continue to significantly influence regional diplomatic and legal actions. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how this will impact Nizar’s future and the international perceptions of both Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
