Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an officer in Iraq’s Rapid Response Forces, was detained by Saudi authorities during Umrah for posting a video that supported Palestinians and Hezbollah. His arrest follows a controversial history related to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre in 2019, where he was initially sentenced to life imprisonment but later acquitted due to insufficient evidence. His current fate in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain.
Saudi authorities have detained Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar, an officer from Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Forces, while he was undertaking Umrah in Mecca. This arrest occurred following the dissemination of a video on social media in which he expressed prayers for the success of Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The said video subsequently led to his detention, and he has been referred to the State Security Agency for further inquiry. According to his legal counsel, the outcome of Nizar’s case is currently uncertain. Lieutenant Colonel Nizar has been a contentious figure within Iraq, mainly due to his purported involvement in the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre during the anti-government protests of 2019. In June 2023, he received a life sentence for allegedly commanding security forces to fire upon protesters in Nasiriyah, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities and 190 injuries. These protests emerged from widespread public discontent over inadequate infrastructure, rampant corruption, and staggering unemployment, ultimately resulting in over 600 deaths nationwide, with Nasiriyah experiencing particularly brutal violence. However, this life sentence was later revoked by Iraq’s Court of Appeals, which cited “insufficient evidence” to sustain the conviction. The Court highlighted concerns regarding the reliability of the evidence presented and the inconsistency of eyewitness testimonies against him, leading to his release. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre remains one of the most grievous events from the protests, playing a significant role in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. Despite international outcry, including criticism from the United Nations regarding Iraq’s ongoing impunity for violence against activists and protesters, there have been minimal legal repercussions for the killings and injuries that occurred during this time. Nizar’s arrest in Saudi Arabia has generated renewed media attention regarding his past, although officials from Iraq have not yet publicly addressed the incident.
The context surrounding the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar in Saudi Arabia is multifaceted, involving his controversial history in Iraq regarding his alleged role in significant civil unrest and subsequent legal proceedings. The Zaytoun Bridge Massacre, in which Nizar is implicated, marked a turning point during the 2019 protests against the Iraqi government. These protests were characterized by a demand for political reform and accountability due to rampant corruption and poor governance, ultimately leading to substantial loss of life. Nizar’s background as a high-ranking officer, combined with the political tensions in the region, contributes to the complexity of his arrest while performing a religious pilgrimage.
The arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Omar Nizar highlights the intersection of military involvement in civil unrest within Iraq and the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding anti-Israel sentiments. His contentious past related to the Zaytoun Bridge Massacre raises questions regarding accountability within the military and political frameworks in both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. As international scrutiny continues, the legal resolution for Nizar remains pending, illustrating the ongoing complexities faced by military personnel in regions with fragile political landscapes.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
