Iraqi Forces continue bloodshed in Ashraf

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Despite all efforts to secure protection for the residents of Ashraf (by asking the United States to take back responsibility for them as Protected Persons under the 4th Geneva Convention and under International Humanitarian Law and the United Nations to set up a permanent monitoring station in Ashraf), a brutal attack was launched on them this morning at 4.45 am (1.45 GMT) which continued for six hours causing over 30 deaths and 300 injuries.

The Iraqi government forces moved a large number of tanks within the northern boundary of Ashraf last Saturday, 2nd April. By urgent request from the International Community, US forces were stationed in Ashraf on 3rd April, but, after discussions in Iraq between Robert Gates, US Secretary of Defence, and Nouri al-Maliki, the American forces were ordered to leave the camp on 7th April and not to intervene to prevent the Iraqi forces crime against Ashraf residents. According to reports, final coordination was then made between the Iraqi Prime Minister, the Iranian embassy and the terrorist Quds force to attack Ashraf the folowing morning.

Despite statements of support for Ashraf from many Iraqi parliamentarians,
their armed forces, under the direct command of Al-Maliki, attacked the unarmed residents using Colts, automatic weapons and machine guns installed on armored vehicles, with the clear intent to terrorise, maim and kill them. They also used humvee vehicles as lethal weapons, driving indiscriminately into the crowds peacefully protesting their actions.

Due to the medical restrictions as a result of the siege, there are no facilities in the Ashraf hospital, such as blood for transfusions, to support the level of injuries. The water supply has also been cut off and reserves are disappearing rapidly. Maryam Rajavi, President-Elect of the Iranian resistance, has appealed to the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, for the wounded to be taken to the American hospital near Ashraf, but so far this has been denied.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES AND DISTURBING SCENES WHICH WILL MOST DEFINITELY CAUSE DISTRESS



As a result, on top of the 20 and more people killed directly, at least 10 people have died from their injuries and more than 20 others are on the critical list.
Although the Iraqi forces have currently stopped their attack, they are still located in Ashraf, where they are employed in looting and destroying residences. There is every likelihood that they could recommence firing at any time.

The BBC have picked up on this, and His Grace wishes to bring the matter to the urgent attention of his readers in the hope that the world may know of this appalling situation and to bring about an end to these despicable crimes against humanity.

The United States and the United Nations must urgently intervene to stop this massacre. It is beyond dispute that (at the very least) a UN monitoring team ought to be allocated to Camp Ashraf along with security in order that the situation may be monitored. This slaughter amounts to genocide. The Iraqi government must be forced to to respect the international laws which demand the safety and protection of the residents of Ashraf.