An independent investigation is essential because these killings have huge implications for efforts to establish the rule of law in Iraq. |
Every such killing represents a major setback to the peace process, and every retaliatory death plays into the hands of those whose interests do not lie in the restoration of peace. |
The dangerous escalation of the conflict in recent days is a direct consequence of killings being allowed to run unchecked. |
The government is, in effect, instructing its forces to shoot innocent people, in complete disregard for the right to life. |
The purpose of these killings has been to repress and divide the population for political gain. |
This is clearly a situation in which a failure to undertake a convincing investigation will have major negative implications for all that the government is trying to achieve. |
Under international law, widespread or systematic attacks against the civilian population are crimes against humanity. |
When defense lawyers are murdered, the rule of law is doubly at stake. Human rights law requires that all murders be investigated in a credible manner. Moreover, defense attorneys are critical to a fair trial, and their systematic assassination threatens the entire process. |