Media

MEP Raises Tariq Aziz Trial with Iraqi Government

18th Ssptember 2008
Baroness Nicholson MEP

Baroness Emma Nicholson MEP, has raised with Members of Iraq’s Government concerns raised by Members of the European Parliament regarding the conditions of detention of Tariq Aziz, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq.

Tariq Aziz has been on trial in Iraq since April of this year accused of the deaths of 42 traders executed for sanctions profiteering in 1992.  He was previously the Foreign Minister (1983 – 1991) and Deputy Prime Minister (1979 – 2003) of Iraq.

Following meetings between Baroness Nicholson and senior members of the Iraqi Government that took place on the 17th and 18th of September, the Government of Iraq’s Spokesman, Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh, released the following statement:

“The Government of Iraq Spokesman Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh stressed that the Iraqi High Criminal Court is providing all legal guarantees for the accused Tariq Azeez, including defence lawyers and allowing international lawyers and personalities, and some countries Embassy personnel to visit him.

Al-Dabbagh added that the accused Tariq Azeez who is facing trial for several charges under the law, enjoys all the rights guaranteed by the Law for the accused, like providing suitable detention conditions including food, accommodation, medical treatment, and contacting family members, and trying him in accordance with all international standards of justice, Law, impartiality, and professionalism.

Al-Dabbagh clarified that the accused Tariq Azeez is being tried according to the standards of justice and law that are being implemented in fairness for the victims of the previous regime, a regime that did not provide any respect for justice, nor any opportunity for the accused to defend themselves. Tariq Azeez was part of that regime that caused destruction to Iraqi society and the entire region, making it the worst regime throughout Iraq’s history.”

Baroness Nicholson MEP is chair of the European Parliament’s Permanent ad hoc Delegation for relations with Iraq, a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Sub-Committee on Human Rights.  She was also the first Western politician to address the Iraqi Parliament in October 2007.