The Associated Press, 13 August 2007
BAGHDAD - More than 30 Iraqi judges have been killed in the line of duty in Iraq, underscoring the need for the new complex in Baghdad aimed at protecting the justice system, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Monday.
The number was disclosed during a press conference to promote a new heavily secured justice complex in eastern Baghdad that began operating last month.
The so-called Rule of Law complex has been dubbed by some as a mini-Green Zone for Iraqi judges and investigators who will live there with their families to avoid being targeted by outside violence. The Green Zone is a heavily fortified complex elsewhere in Baghdad that holds the U.S. and British embassies along with the Iraqi government's headquarters and parliament.
Facing accusations of human rights violations and random detentions by Iraqi and U.S. forces, the officials acknowledged that the system remained flawed but said it was important to note the improvements that have been made under extremely difficult circumstances.
Judge Abdul Sattar Bayrkdar, spokesman for the Iraqi Higher Judicial Council, said 31 judges have been killed because of their profession.
Col. Mark Martins, the military's staff judge advocate in Iraq, said 12 Iraqi judges and four police investigators were now in the complex with their families and 26 more investigators will be graduating this week.
They have held 60 full trials after receiving 2,000 cases as of last week, he said, adding that 700 cases had been investigated and 325 dismissed for lack of evidence.
"No one is saying the rule of law prevails across Iraq and this is only a small step," he said. "Progress toward lasting reconciliation though will require many such steps."
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Citation: "31 judges have been killed in Iraq," The Associated Press, 13 August 2007.
Original URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070813/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_judges_1
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