Monitoring committee holds first meeting as Iraq steps up moves against ‘incitement’

BAGHDAD — The committee formed to monitor what it calls sectarian, ethnic and racial rhetoric held its first meeting at the office of the commander-in-chief on Tuesday, the third measure against public speech in a week.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir al-Shammari, who directs the office, attended along with committee chair Lt. Gen. Saad Maan and representatives of security agencies. Shammari called for firm action against inflammatory rhetoric whatever its source: “The law must be applied comprehensively and fairly, without exception.” The courts would decide what follows, he said: “The judiciary will be the arbiter in taking legal measures and issuing rulings against promoters of sectarian rhetoric in accordance with the laws in force, in a manner that ensures justice and protects the rights of all citizens.” He asked for clearly defined roles within the committee and mechanisms to organise its work.

Maan said it would work “with professionalism and a high level of responsibility,” monitoring rhetoric containing sectarian, ethnic or racial incitement under existing legal frameworks, with Shammari’s directives as its framework and methodology.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi approved a security committee on Sept. 2 drawn from the Interior Ministry, the National Intelligence Service, the National Security Service and other agencies to monitor online hate speech. Four days later the Supreme Judicial Council instructed investigative courts and prosecutors to monitor sectarian rhetoric in traditional and social media and pursue offenders. Judicial and electoral authorities issued similar warnings during last year’s election period.