Tight Iraq election security includes weapons ban

[rick_reno]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/01/22/iraq.main/index.html

Tight Iraq election security includes weapons ban
Also planned: curfews, driving limits, airport closure
Saturday, January 22, 2005 Posted: 9:34 PM EST (0234 GMT)


BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Extraordinary security measures, including a ban on weapons, restrictions on who may drive and a curfew, will be in place before and during elections on January 30, a top Iraqi official said Saturday.

"The government's goal is to provide a secure Iraq," Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib said. "We have taken all necessary procedures to secure this purpose. All our security forces have been put on alert ... all citizens should abide by these rules and measures."

Also, Baghdad's airport will be closed on January 29 and 30, al-Naqib said.

January 29, 30 and 31 have been declared holidays in Iraq, the minister said. Many areas will have a curfew from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on those days and anyone in violation will be arrested, he said.

Anyone carrying a weapon will be arrested and the weapon confiscated, he said.

Driving on the streets will be limited to elections supervisors and other officials. The Iraqi interior and transportation ministries will provide transportation for voters needing help to get to the polls.

Iraq's borders will be closed except to Iraqis returning from the annual hajj pilgrimage, the minister said. No transfer between provinces will be permitted.

Walking in and around the polling places will be restricted, al-Naqib said.

Security forces working during the election period will be eligible for "encouraging payments" and be issued special badges, he said.

 

[RealGun]

The interim constitution, a UN document, prohibits gun ownership. It remains to be seen if that provision becomes permanent and whether it is the UN and US new model for democracy.

Link

 

[Fred Fuller]

Sounds just like a free and open election in a liberated country, all right.

I wish 'em luck, they'll need it.

lpl/nc

 

[Firethorn]

Realgun,

I can't find the spot that forbids firearm ownership. The only part I remember seeing is that owning a weapon (machineguns included!) requires a permit.

The best I could find

“Firearms" mean automatic (7.62mm (.308 caliber) and under) and non-automatic rifles, shotguns and pistols for personal use, and associated ammunition. Such firearms are subject to licensing by the Ministry of Interior. Firearms do not include weapons rendered permanently inoperable, replicas, antiques or ceremonial weapons.

From what I've heard, it's easy for households to get permits for individual firearms (AK-47 for home defense).

 

[RealGun]

I can't find the spot that forbids firearm ownership.

Article 17 is not "shall issue". There is no inherent right that I can see.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Throwing away freedoms so you can vote in freedom is the way to tyranny.

 

[Kamicosmos]

This is ironic. In America, aren't we prohibited from carrying firearms into Polling Places? Strolling down the street with weapons is also generally prohibited in most areas as well, especially near polling places, schools, churches, gov't buildings. And, not fur shure here, but I think filling your car and coat with explosives is also frowned upon in SmallTown USA.

 

[captain obvious]

I was listening to one of the CNN newsblurbs at the top of the hour that stated that there was to be a three day ban on the carrying of firearms. Wonderful. Now the US soldiers have to worry about disarming civilians as well as insurgent attacks, not to mention the latter's logical increase.

All I can say is I'm glad my father was denied entry (orders from the contracting company) back into Iraq at the last minute after his Christmas break.

 

[RealGun]

I was listening to one of the CNN newsblurbs at the top of the hour that stated that there was to be a three day ban on the carrying of firearms. Wonderful. Now the US soldiers have to worry about disarming civilians as well as insurgent attacks, not to mention the former's logical increase. - Captain Obvious

Actually, doesn't that mean that anyone with a gun then becomes a target, simplifying the process of sorting good guys from bad? "Disarming" is more likely to be "shooting" at the slightest resistance to being challenged when carrying a gun. Doesn't it put good people on notice to stay off "the battlefield"? US soldiers would have less to worry about, because it becomes politically correct to shoot people that appear to deserve it. I don't know how it works, but I'll bet the shooters will be Iraqi police.

 

[jefnvk]

I could be wrong, but I think that in America, it is not legal to show up at the ballot box with an AK strapped to my back...

 

[Sparks]

Funny to see the views expressed here only days after Ireland's choice of not putting an RKBA into our constitution and banning classes of firearms to help tackle our terrorist problem was slated in another thread.