Dear Mr. Secretary.
I am disturbed by the violence perpetrated against protestors in Iraq that has left over 430 people dead since the beginning of October, many of whom were killed by security forces. I strongly support democracy and human rights in Iraq, including Iraqis’ right to exercise free speech and free assembly. Stifling free speech, including through internet blackouts, harassment of journalists, and closing media outlets, inhibits the goal of a secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq.
On Nov. 18, you stated, “We will not stand idle while the corrupt officials make the Iraqi people suffer. Today, I am affirming the United States will use our legal authorities to sanction corrupt individuals that are stealing Iraqis’ wealth and those killing and wounding peaceful protesters. Like the Iraqi people taking to the streets today, our sanctions will not discriminate between religious sect or ethnicity. They will simply target those who do wrong to the Iraqi people, no matter who they are."
I encourage these efforts to hold accountable those who have engaged in violence against peaceful protestors and those who are abusing their positions in a way that prevents the Iraqi people from prospering. As you know, the Administration has multiple existing authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, to sanction individuals responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against those who seek to exercise freedom of expression, association, and assembly. These authorities can also be used to sanction those responsible for significant corruption.
I respectfully request that you provide me an update on your plans to ensure accountability for those in Iraq responsible for these abuses, including leaders of the Popular Mobilization Forces and leaders of militias as appropriate, as soon as practicable in December. I also request that you provide an update on the Administration’s diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Iraqi government respects free speech, press freedom, and free assembly in Iraq.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL T. McCAUL
Ranking Member
House Foreign Affairs Committee.
