The Egyptian Lawyers Association in Defense of Ashraf Residents issued a statement protesting the Iraqi government and UNAMI’s refusal to allow a visit to see their clients in Camp Liberty.
Dr. Walid Farhat, President of the Egyptian Lawyers Association in Defense of Ashraf Residents condemned the position of the Iraqi government and UNAMI led by Martin Kobler, not issuing a permit to a delegation of lawyers – representing 9,000 lawyers from 12 Arabic countries – to enter Camp Liberty and see their clients. This is while Martin Kobler had previously promised this to the lawyers.
Dr. Walid Sami Farhat (lawyer, professor of law, lecturer in numerous universities in Arab countries), Walid Samir Darwish (lawyer, expert with a MS in law), Fatema Mohmmad Jalaladin (lawyer, MS in law, assistant professor in Tanta Law School), Dr. Mohmmad Faruq Mohmmad Atia (lawyer, professor in Suez University Law School) and Dr. Ahmad Jalaladin Hafez (lawyer, former member of judicial society, Cairo University professor) had requested permit to enter Iraq. However, their request was rejected under this pretext that Liberty residents have no right to meet with anyone from the outside world.
“The rejection of our request by Baghdad emphasizes on this fact that the Iraqi government has committed an international crime against Liberty residents,” Dr. Farhat stressed.
“This cruel measure is in violation of all international covenants and conventions against the rights of Liberty residents. These are individuals who are legally considered political refugees based on the Fourth Geneva Convention,” he added.
Dr. Farhat called on the United Nations Secretary-General and all countries across the globe to take immediate action and break the illegal siege imposed on Liberty residents by recognizing Camp Liberty’s legal status as a refugee camp under the supervision of the United Nations Refugee Agency, and allow lawyers to meet with their clients in this camp.