August 23, 2023
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako
The law is a mechanism adopted by the state to shape up the life of society using regular and stable justice, to promote human and national common interests, to spread a spirit of tolerance and affection, and to confirm respect for the rights, freedoms, security and dignity of individuals.
The government must secure the “rule of law” for every citizen, regardless of political, social, or religious beliefs. The principle of equality (justice) according to the law compels every citizen to live his life within the framework of the country’s laws that assure its unity, reliability and institutions.
What do we expect from a country, where an official declares that he is “above” the law?
What do we expect from a country, where the “President” violates the constitution while he took an oath to protect it?
Is the law a “flexible piece” in the hands of a government official to “manipulate” it the way he wants?
Interpretation of the Iraqi law by the current President is like “ebb and flow“, so he makes his decisions accordingly to ensure his complete control, while others are watching silently!
His Excellency the President believes that what is he doing, is the law, even if it violates the constitution covertly. Also, believes that publishing it in the official newspaper makes it a constitutional law.
Whoever invited one of the patriarchs “based outside Iraq” in order to bless their steps and praise them by describing the president of having “wisdom and know-how” and the “militia leader” who received him (and arranged all his meetings with Government officials) by he is “the best who represent Christians”.
Surely, the “visiting Patriarch” did not leave Iraq, returning to his headquarters empty-handed!
This kind of behavior is definitely shameful, and hurts all Christians!
Learning about these violations, how can someone assure Iraqi citizens that they are living in the state of law and institutions with their rights and dignity guaranteed?
I would like to conclude with a reminder about the existence of an International Court of Justice (ICJ) located in The Hague, to which any aggrieved person has the right to submit his legal claim.
Whoever has ears ought to hear….