The Independent reports that American troops killed four inmates and injured others in a riot at a prison in British-controlled southern Iraq. We agree with Bakhtiar Amin, Iraq’s human rights minister, who is quoted as saying, “If we are convinced there was no justification for the degree of force used then we want them to be tried. If there is a mistake, then those in charge should be brought to account.”
The Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) have announced that Mr. Talib Khadim Al Tayee, the kidnapped President of the Iraqi Mechanics, Metalworkers & Printworkers Union (IMM&PU), has been released on 1 February 2005 in Baghdad.
We feared that something like this would happen. The so-called resistance is attacking the leadership of the emerging labour movement in Iraq and seeks to intimidate all workers. This brutal attack is just the latest in a long line that all labour movement organisations should condemn without delay. We all hope that Talib will be released. If you wish to send messages of support email abdullahmuhsin@iraqitradeunions.org. Gary Kent, Director LFIQ
Esteemed blogger Norman Geras writes on the lessons of Holocaust Memorial Day and Iraq
Norman Geras blogs about the enthusiasm among Iraqis living in Manchester for the January 30 Poll and transcribes part of an interview with an Iraqi Kurd (HA) on Radio 5 Live.