Iraqi government disregard the welfare of the 'Blackwater' victims
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 17:08
It has taken three years but yesterday Iraqi government officials finally met with the victims and the families of those killed when Blackwater security guards opened fire on a crowded street, killing 17 people. The purpose of the meeting was to 'get information on their civil lawsuits', however the meeting is viewed by most as just another example of the disregard Maliki's corrupt government have for the people of Iraq.
"How dare this government simply use these victims as part of a political campaigning exercise? Why have they demonstrated no interest in the welfare of these victims until now? Once again this corrupt government is showing disregard for the Iraqi people by using them as a campaigning ploy, as they did with 'Chemical' Ali's execution. They have no interest in the welfare of the Iraqi people, only themselves," says outspoken MP Ayad Jamal Aldin.
Jamal Aldin's view was backed up by some of the victims of the Blackwater shootings. Fareed Waleed Hassoun, who was shot in the chest, said "This is the first time in three years that we met with a government official. Since the incident, not a single Iraqi official patted on my head."
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About Ayad Jamal Aldin:
Ayad Jamal Aldin is a Shia cleric, best known for his consistent campaigning for a new, secular Iraq. He first rose to prominence at the Nasiriyah conference in March 2003, shortly before the fall of Saddam, where he called for a state free of religion, the turban and other theological symbols. In 2005, he was elected as one of the 25 MPs on the Iraqi National List, but withdrew in 2009 after becoming disenchanted with Iyad Allawi's overtures to Iran. He wants complete independence from Iranian interference in Iraq. He now leads the Ahrar party for the 2010 election to the Council of Representatives, to clean up corruption and create a strong, secure and liberated Iraq for the future.