Saudi Arrests Iraqi Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar Over Anti-Israel Social Media Posts

Saudi authorities have arrested Iraqi Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar during Umrah after he posted a video praying for the victory of Palestinians and Hezbollah. Nizar has a controversial past related to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre from 2019 protests. His past life sentence was overturned due to insufficient evidence. His recent arrest has sparked further discussions, although Iraqi officials have not commented on this matter yet.

Saudi authorities have apprehended Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, a high-ranking officer in Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Forces, during his participation in Umrah rituals in Mecca. This arrest appears to stem from his social media activities, particularly a video in which he expressed prayers for the triumph of Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The video gained traction online and is believed to have prompted his detention. Following his arrest, Saudi public prosecution has referred the case to the State Security Agency, with uncertainty surrounding Nizar’s future as indicated by his lawyer on Iraqi state television. Lieutenant Colonel Nizar has drawn significant controversy in Iraq due to his alleged involvement in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre, a tragic event during the 2019 anti-government protests. In June 2023, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for purportedly instructing security forces to unleash gunfire on demonstrators in Nasiriyah, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities and injuring around 190 others. These protests, ignited by frustrations over deficient infrastructure, rampant corruption, and skyrocketing unemployment, claimed more than 600 lives nationwide, with the events in Nasiriyah being among the most severe. However, just months later, the Court of Appeals in Iraq overturned Nizar’s life sentence, citing “insufficient evidence” necessary to sustain the conviction. The court highlighted doubts regarding the evidence presented and the inconsistent eyewitness testimonies from the plaintiffs, ultimately leading to Nizar’s release. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre stands as a pivotal moment from those protests and played a role in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Despite significant international denunciation, including condemnation from the United Nations regarding Iraq’s ongoing impunity for violence against activists, few convictions have been achieved for the casualties sustained during the protests. Nizar’s recent arrest in Saudi Arabia has ignited further discussions, although Iraqi officials have not yet provided any public commentary on the situation.

The article discusses the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an Iraqi officer, by Saudi authorities during his pilgrimage in Mecca. Nizar has been a contentious figure in Iraq due to his past, which includes a controversial conviction related to the deadly Zaytoun Bridge Massacre during protests against the Iraqi government. His arrest is linked to his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause and may reflect broader tensions surrounding political expressions and regional security issues. The backdrop of Iraqi protests, marked by violence, government corruption, and oppression of dissent, sets the stage for the implications of this arrest for Iraq-Saudi relations and Nizar’s future.

In summary, the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar in Saudi Arabia for his social media posts supporting the Palestinian cause raises significant questions regarding freedom of expression and intergovernmental dynamics. Nizar’s complex background, including his controversial past related to protests against the Iraqi government, amplifies the stakes of this incident. As the situation develops, it serves as a reminder of the broader issues concerning political dissent and the treatment of activists in the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com