Amnesty calls on Iraq to stop executions

By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD (AP) _ Amnesty International called on Iraq Tuesday to stop executions, saying many death sentences were being handed down in court proceedings that do not meet international standards for fair trials.

The human rights groups said Iraq was believed to have at least 1,000 people on death row, including 150 people who had exhausted all legal means to stop their executions and faced hanging.

In a report, the group said the Iraqi government lacked transparency about the executions it has carried out.

Iraq has never released total figures on executions. Amnesty said it had counted 194 executions since the death penalty was reinstated in August 2004.

``However, Amnesty International believes the figures could be much higher, given the secrecy that surrounds these executions and the lack of public information around them,'' the group said in a statement.

Deputy Justice Minister Busho Ibrahim said he could not comment about the figures cited by the group, but he defended executing people convicted for ``terrorist attacks against innocent and civilian victims in markets or in mosques.''

He added, ``If the terrorists are sentenced to death in a fair trial, then the law should be implemented in order to protect the lives of the people.''

Amnesty said that many of the trials did not meet international standards and that some defendants have complained they were tortured into making confessions later used in their trials.

“The Lion’s Journey: The Story of Wadie P. Deddeh released on DVD

On August 21st, 2009, in California the Neighborhood Market Association (NMA) along with Group Indy Productions proudly presented the premiere screening of Bonni Rooney’s newly released film, The Lion’s Journey: The Stoy of Wadie P. Deddeh – a 60 minute documentary about the life of former California State Senator, Wadie Deddeh.

More than three hundred people gathered to view the film as well as support fund-raising efforts to purchase new mattresses for refugees. The banquet hall, usually used for weddings and other functions, was transformed into a theater-style venue with three large film screens and a state of the art sound system which was donated by Cox Communications.

The Executive Producer and former CEO of the NMA, Auday Arabo, flew in from Michigan to attend this historic event and was the MC of the evening. Arabo originally envisioned a film about Wadie’s life and approached local filmmaker, Bonni Rooney with the idea. The Lions Journey represents both the birth of a dream and highlights the achievements of an immigrant through determination.

Family, friends, former students and former staff all gathered to honor Wadie Deddeh for his contributions to the State of California and the Chaldean community. Additionally, there were many dignitaries and elected officials in attendance.

A screening video is being organized for September 28 and is sponsored by The Chaldean Federation of America (CFA), The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC) and the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers. (AFPD)

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