Iraqi opposition leader arrested over criticism of government

A prominent opposition group in Iraq said security forces arrested one of its leaders on Monday over criticism of the government.

The home of activist and analyst Mohammed Naana in Baghdad was raided after a lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Rejection Group said.

“The Rejection Group expresses its strong condemnation for the arrest of one its leading members after raiding his house,” it said.

It reaffirmed its “stance that rejects undermining and confiscating the rights that guarantee freedom of opinion and expression”, demanding his immediate release.

Iraqi judiciary and security forces have not issued any clarification. Requests for comments from media went unanswered.

Since last year, Mr Naana has faced three lawsuits; one filed by Mr Al Sudani and two others by the legal representative of the cabinet, his lawyer Ahmed Al Bawi told local media.

He was jailed for 12 days before being brought before a judge who gave him a suspended six-month sentence with a fine, but the Prime Minister filed an appeal, added the lawyer.

“It is still unclear who has arrested him – probably the National Security Service – as well as his whereabouts,” said Mr Al Bawi.

“It is an attempt to muzzle voices and curtail freedom of expression.”

Rejection Group is one of several opposition parties formed after the 2019 pro-reform protests that broke out in Iraq.

The group does not have members in parliament as it boycotted previous elections, demanding reforms to the electoral system that would allow smaller parties to win seats and challenge the current sectarian-based political system.

Mr Naana is known for his outspoken criticism of Mr Al Sudani and the Iran-backed Shiite political parties and militias that support him and his government.