Baath era draft dodgers demand compensation

BAGHDAD — A group of former Iraqi army members, known as Red Card holders, staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s office in the Al-Alawi area. These individuals, who deserted or avoided military service during Saddam Hussein’s rule, are calling for justice and the reinstatement of their rights. They argue that the criminal records imposed on them persist, despite fulfilling their obligations.

Historically, Red Cards were issued to individuals who dodged military service under the former regime.

The demonstration saw about 1,500 protesters demanding inclusion under Law No. 5 of 2009, which compensates individuals who sustained physical disabilities due to the actions of the previous regime, and the removal of penalties associated with the Red Card status.

Abbas Kata’, speaking for the Red Card holders, informed 964media that this marked their 25th protest. An estimated 42,000 citizens are believed to hold Red Cards.

“Under Saddam’s regime, they endured civil penalties, including travel bans, restrictions on university education, employment barriers, ration card reductions, marriage limitations, and harassment from oppressive forces,” he stated.

The demonstrators are pressing the government to revoke the decisions made by the now-disbanded Revolutionary Command Council. Although they have not been able to reach the Prime Minister, who was in Basra, representatives have engaged with the legal department of the Council of Representatives and intend to pursue matters with the Committee for Martyrs and Victims.

Hussam Hilal, a protester, underscored the significance of meeting with the Prime Minister to secure coverage for Red Card holders under Law No. 5 of 2009, highlighting the enduring discrimination and the array of sanctions linked to the Red Card. They are hopeful for the expungement of these criminal records that have continued from Saddam’s era to today.