10/08/2020 Iraq (International Christian Concern) – The Kurdish Regional Governorate (KRG) located in Iraq’s autonomous region has decided to create an ad hoc commission examining the illegal expropriation of Christian properties, particularly in the Dohuk Governorate. This should include an investigation into the situation of Nahla Village, where Christian families have lost access to approximately 75% of their properties. It is expected that there are dozens of other similar cases.
In theory, this investigation would include prosecution in situations where the commission determines illegal land grabbing has occurred. But Nahla serves as a case study as to why the judicial process has failed. Christians have petitioned the courts for the reinstatement of their lands, and have at times won those cases only to lose them on appeal or have the decision not enforced by local authorities. Additionally, local authorities have at times prevented Christians from seeking their rights in courts. This commission is a positive step for these cases, but also appears to bring more of the same promises whose delivery is questionable given past results.
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