Saddam’s Unrepentant Judge
Often, if a woman is raped, a family member will kill her in order to restore the family honor. Do you think Iraqis should change their view of rape in general, and not just as it pertains to crimes committed by Saddam's regime?
[Honor killing] happens when a family does not understand and does not have a clear viewpoint of what happened to their daughter. She is a victim. How can she be a victim twice? Iraqi law does not protect those who kill women that are raped. The court should always be on the side of justice when the woman is a victim.
You played a significant role in the Saddam Hussein trial. During that time at least one judge and three attorneys were killed. What was life like for you then, and what is it like for you now?
I have to tell you that a judge has a very difficult life. To carry out his duties he should feel he is safe and his family as well. The judge—Judge Perwez—he sacrificed his life for justice and to move the Iraq High Tribunal forward. During the Anfal case two of my family members were killed, and my niece was seriously injured. The government took precautions, but this violence is the case for Iraqi people in general. We are no exception.
What precautions have you taken to remain safe?
The government has provided me with a residence in the Green Zone—like other judges. Since the government knows how dangerous my job is, the government provides me with several guards as well.
How many guards do you have?
I have at least 50 guards. The man who leads them is my shadow. He is my companion everywhere.
What about your family?
They do not live in the Green Zone with me. Family is very important. That's why we take all the necessary measures to protect them. I will say that they are in Iraq because we love Iraq. We cannot leave Iraq.
Do you think you will ever be completely safe in Iraq?
In this case, I am like other Iraqis. Every single Iraqi's life is threatened at some point. But to serve justice and Iraqis, I remain proud of my job. I am not sorry for it, even if it means my life.
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Member Comments
Posted By: Abdullah the Butcher @ 02/07/2008 3:24:31 PM
Comment: hi to you all ...... your remarks do nothing but amplify your comments towards yourself. You must be a professional idiot.... that says alot. The abuses these people faced are incredible. No one stepped forward to help them, NO ONE. Thank god there is some justice in this world and to stand up for what you believe and to judge the oppressor for the oppressed is admireable and incredible. thank you.
Posted By: Al M @ 02/06/2008 6:31:11 PM
Comment: Your Honor Khalifa:
It's a real impressive job you have done. I hope you and your family have a long and peacefull life. I am impressed with your dedication. What you have done for your country, is a real testiment of what freedom and liberty is all about. Sometimes we forget what patroit you and those like you are.
Keep up the good work.
A.R. Murch in Maine
Posted By: Al M @ 02/06/2008 6:29:30 PM
Comment:
Your Honor Khalifa:
It's a real impressive job you have done. I hope you and your family have a long and peacefull life. I am impressed with your dedication. What you have done for your country, is a real testiment of what freedom and liberty is all about. Sometimes we forget what patroit you and those like you are.
Keep up the good work.
A.R. Murch in Maine