Iraqi taxi driver, Ziyad Al Janabi, disappeared since November 22, 2019

Iraqi taxi driver, Ziyad Al Janabi, disappeared since November 22, 2019

On November 22, 2019, taxi driver Ziyad Al Janabi was reported disappeared after driving passengers to demonstrations at Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. Authorities have yet to officially disclose his fate and current whereabouts.

On November 22, 2019, Ziyad Al Janabi drove passengers to Baghdad’s Tahrir Square who were on their way to participate in demonstrations. Consequently, Al Janabi was reported disappeared and was believed to be abducted by militia for providing services to demonstrators. The following day, Al Janabi’s family filed a criminal complaint at Baghdad police station.

A rising numbers of abductions by state security forces and militias, acting with the authorisation, support, acquiescence or approval of the Iraqi Government, have recently been reported in Baghdad and are indicative of a pattern of enforced disappearances targeting peaceful anti-government demonstrators.

On January 30, 2020, MENA Rights Group and the Iraqi War Crimes Documentation Center requested the urgent intervention of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances. Al Janabi’s fate and whereabouts remain unknown.

 

Timeline

October 2, 2020: On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the 2019-2021 Iraqi protests, MENA Rights Group sends a letter of allegation regarding the cases of six Iraqis abducted in relation to the Iraqi protests, including Al Janabi, to four UN Special Procedures mandate holders.
January 30, 2020: MENA Rights Group and the Iraqi War Crimes Documentation Center request the urgent intervention of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances.
November 23, 2019: Family files complaint at Baghdad police station.
November 22, 2019: Al Janabi disappears near Tahrir Square, Baghdad.

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