Iraqi Interior Ministry tells groups to inform government of meetings ahead of time

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- The Iraqi interior minister Friday warned groups and political parties that they will be punished if they don't inform the ministry well ahead of time of meetings they are planning.

The move, cast as a safety measure by the ministry, comes during a renewed Iraqi and coalition crackdown in Baghdad, Anbar province and other areas made dangerous by insurgents and sectarian violence.

Jawad Kadhim al-Bolani said he issued the warning to help keep the peace and to thwart any attempt to foment violence or instability.

The ministry will take "strict legal action against any party or group to establish such gatherings without prior authorization," said al-Bolani.

link: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/02/23/friday/index.html

[Tempest]

1. What legal action can the ministry take?

And here I thought the Iraqi Constitution was democratic.

[maddezmom]

2. I'm not sure, but it probably is contained in the new Martial Law Provision

I can't find anything about the details...just this:

NEW YORK, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Human Rights Watch warned new martial law provisions for Baghdad could open the door to abuse by the military.

In a statement issued Friday, the organization said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's plan to curb escalating violence in the Iraqi capital grants military commanders sweeping powers to arrest people and restrict basic freedoms of speech and association.


~snip~

The martial law provisions announced by the Baghdad's commander of military operations have no time limits nor are there any details on how the regulations will be implemented.


The decree also provides for broad use of the death penalty, a punishment Human Rights Watch opposes.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2742678&mesg_id=2742678