Iraqi CP condemns raid of its newspaper headquarters

 Iraqi Communist Party condemns

raid of its newspaper headquarters by security forces

The headquarters of “Tareeq Al-Shaab” (People’s Path), the central organ of the Iraqi Communist Party, was raided and ransacked by the security forces late evening on Monday 26^th March 2012 under a flimsy pretext.

A big armed force of the “federal police” entered the building, on Abu Nawas Street in central Baghdad, and conducted a search operation which it claimed was part of security measures in preparation for the Arab Summit. But it soon became clear that their real target was remnants of an old weapon, actually a piece of junk on the roof of the high building, left behind from the time of the previous regime. Having discovered this “dangerous weapon”, they arrested 12 employees who were in charge of security at the headquarters of the newspaper. Afterwards, another police force entered the building and ransacked offices of party leaders. Detained employees were held by the police overnight and were only released, the next day, after being forced to sign so-called “pledges” whilst blindfolded!

The Iraqi Communist Party has strongly condemned this blatant attack targeting its daily newspaper, “Tareeq Al-Shaab”, which has come on the eve of the 78^th anniversary of the party’s foundation (31^st March).  It has demanded an immediate halt to these repressive practices, annulling the infamous “pledges”, and bringing to justice those responsible for this vicious attack on free and democratic press.

These measures will not prevent “Tareeq Al-Shaab” from defending the fundamental rights of the Iraqi people and workers, and fighting for a free and democratic Iraq.