This paper summarizes AI’s human rights concerns in Iraq. AI is concerned about violations against the Arab Shi’a Muslim population of southern cities and towns and against the population of the southern marshes; these include killings, arbitrary arrests, “disappearances” and torture. AI has received testimonies from prisoners who were allegedly tortured in detention and who witnessed the torture and killings of others. Scores of judicial executions were reported in 1992, including those of at least 42 business men, merchants and traders accused of profiteering. AI is particularly concerned about a decree issued on 21 December 1992, forbidding the bringing to justice of law enforcement officials who injure or kill suspects in the course of their duty.
