Saudi Arabia has arrested Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an Iraqi officer, during his Umrah pilgrimage for posting a video supporting Palestinians. His controversial past includes allegations related to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre during anti-government protests in 2019, where he faced a life sentence that was later overturned. His recent arrest has stirred attention amid ongoing discussions about political expression and human rights in Iraq.
In a significant development, Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, a prominent officer within Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Forces, has been arrested by Saudi authorities while he was engaged in performing Umrah, a religious pilgrimage in Mecca. The detention reportedly arose after Nizar shared a video on social media platforms in which he prayed for the triumph of Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This video, which rapidly garnered attention online, is believed to have been instrumental in prompting his arrest. Following his detention, the public prosecution in Saudi Arabia referred Nizar to the State Security Agency. His lawyer subsequently informed Iraq’s state television that the circumstances surrounding Nizar’s future remain uncertain. Nizar’s controversial character is underscored by his alleged involvement in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre, a tragic event during the 2019 anti-government protests in Iraq. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2023 for purportedly issuing the orders that led to security forces firing upon demonstrators in Nasiriyah, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities and 190 injuries. These protests, which erupted in October 2019, were fueled by widespread anger towards inadequate infrastructure, rampant corruption, and soaring unemployment. Notably, over 600 individuals lost their lives during these nationwide protests, with violence particularly concentrated in Nasiriyah. However, Nizar’s imprisonment was overturned by Iraq’s Court of Appeals just months later, due to a lack of sufficient evidence to uphold the conviction. The court highlighted inconsistencies in the evidence presented and the failure of plaintiffs to deliver reliable eyewitness accounts against him, ultimately leading to his release. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre emerged as one of the most devastating incidents during the 2019 protests, significantly influencing the political landscape, which culminated in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Despite extensive international condemnation, including criticism from the United Nations concerning Iraq’s ongoing impunity for violent actions against protesters and activists, few legal actions have resulted in convictions for the numerous casualties incurred during the demonstrations. Nizar’s recent apprehension in Saudi Arabia has drawn further scrutiny, although Iraqi officials have yet to issue any public statements regarding the situation. Efforts by The New Arab to reach Miqdad Miri, the official spokesperson for Iraq’s Interior Ministry, for a comment on the matter have been unsuccessful.
The recent arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar by Saudi authorities is indicative of heightened tensions surrounding political dissent and expression of solidarity with Palestinian groups. Nizar’s position in Iraq and his previous alleged involvement in a significant human rights violation during the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre adds layers of complexity to his case. The context of his arrest intertwines with ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian issue and the role of Hezbollah, reflecting the sensitive nature of political expressions in the Middle East. Furthermore, Iraq’s judicial landscape, particularly its handling of protest-related incidents, has drawn scrutiny from international human rights organizations and remains a critical point of discussion. Nizar’s arrest could potentially reignite discussions regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the state’s authority in politically sensitive matters.
In summary, the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar by Saudi authorities while he was performing Umrah underscores the complex interplay of religion, politics, and regional tensions in the Middle East. His previous involvement in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre and subsequent life sentence, which was later overturned due to insufficient evidence, coupled with his recent social media activities, raises pertinent questions about the implications of political expressions in a region fraught with conflict. Thus, the international community watches closely as the developments unfold, seeking clarity on the future ramifications for Nizar and broader political discourse in Iraq.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
