Iraqi MP clarifies allegations of Ba’ath praise amid Speaker voting

BAGHDAD, 13 January — Coinciding with the voting for the new Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, the office of MP Shalan al-Kraim released a statement addressing an old video clip in which he was accused of promoting the banned Ba’ath Party and its symbols. The statement describes these allegations as an attempt to hinder al-Kraim’s political and parliamentary role, labeling it as a sign of “immorality in rivalry” and fear of rational national voices.

The office explained that the video clip was used to file a complaint against Sheikh al-Kraim during the 2014 parliamentary elections, leading to his disqualification by the Accountability and Justice Commission. However, al-Kraim challenged this decision in Iraqi courts, which accepted his appeal. The appellate judicial authority reconsidered the case, resulting in a decision to annul the Accountability and Justice Commission’s ruling and allow his return to the parliamentary elections at that time.

The full statement received by 964media from the office of MP Shalan al-Kraim stated:

“Some social media sites have recently circulated an old and fabricated video clip, edited and montaged, accusing Sheikh Shalan al-Kraim of promoting the banned Ba’ath Party and its symbols. This clip, published in 2014 for political defamation purposes, was presented in a truncated and misleading manner; a politically unclean and disrespectful practice, which was resolved by the Iraqi judiciary at that time with a fair decision.

This clip was used for a complaint against Sheikh al-Kraim in the 2014 parliamentary elections, leading to his exclusion based on a decision by the Accountability and Justice Commission. Sheikh al-Kraim appealed this decision to the Iraqi judiciary, which accepted the appeal and challenge. The Appellate Judicial Authority revisited the matter, and in its decision numbered “140_appellate-authority_2014” regarding the appeal against the exclusion by the Accountability and Justice Commission using this fabricated clip through dubbing and editing, it was stated:

‘As for the incitement, glorification, and promotion referred to in Article 7 of the Constitution, it relates to political entities and must be continuous, systematic, and aimed at making the banned entity part of Iraq’s political pluralism. This promotion is constitutionally prohibited, which was not proven in the case of the objector Shalan al-Kraim.’

Furthermore, the Appellate Authority in its decision numbered “140_Appellate-Authority_2014″ confirmed that Sheikh al-Karim is not covered by the de-Ba’athification laws and that he was not affiliated with the mentioned party or the repressive agencies stated before 9-4-2003. There is no legal basis for his exclusion from running for membership in the Council of Representatives. Consequently, the Judicial Authority issued a decision to accept Sheikh al-Karim’s appeal, overturning the decision of the Accountability and Justice Commission and allowing his return to participate in the parliamentary elections at that time.

Sheikh Shalan al-Kraim is known for his history and stances, defending his people, his province, and all Iraqis in the darkest circumstances. He has actively participated in combating terrorism, exposing and stripping it, and fought against all calls for extremism. He has always affirmed his belief in the unity of the Iraqi territory and the brotherhood of all Iraqis; under the umbrella of a state of citizenship and social justice. The repeated circulation and promotion of this fabricated clip by some parties is a desperate attempt to tarnish Sheikh al-Karim’s image and prevent him from performing his required political and parliamentary role in building state institutions, supporting society, and developing the economy. It is a sign of immorality in rivalry and fear of rational national voices, around which Iraqis can unite to continue the journey of reconstruction and building, defending the democratic process and its stability; against voices of sedition and discord, seeking to bring back the atmosphere of tension and societal division to Iraq again.”