This surprise appointment (his name was far from circulating in the list of candidates for the post) did not, however, happen without clashes within the section. Since then, the local PS has struggled to hold its troops together as shown by the last municipal council where several socialist elected officials simply did not show up to protest.
And who says “controversial appointment”this “peeled past”. In particular, we received an Instagram post made by Mohammed Kalandar in mid-2020. In it, he celebrated the anniversary of the creation of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (Hachd al-Chaabi) by notably posting their emblem. These militias are particularly controversial.
Controversial militias
Founded in 2014 following the Islamic State’s capture of Mosul, these Iraqi militias, the vast majority Shiite and which include several branches including one close to Iran, were finally recognized and integrated into the Iraqi state and are active in parallel with the army. They therefore enjoy the privilege of legitimate violence while having access to equipment.
Although they are seen as one of the major players in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq, the militias are nevertheless singled out and accused of numerous abuses during this fight (extrajudicial executions, kidnappings, torture, etc.). Amnesty International has been sounding the alarm for many years. The NGO is demanding accountability for hundreds of people who disappeared between 2014 and 2016 and greater control of the militias by Iraq, even though the militias have very varied allegiances despite their status as part of the state.
“Islamic but Shiite State”
A recognized observer of the Middle East and particularly of Iraq to whom we showed the post goes further: “Certain militias have methods comparable to Daesh. To simplify, Hachd al-Chaabi is the Islamic State but Shiite. Iraq has little control over it. For a politician to pay homage to them without context like this, it’s is very problematic and worrying.”
In short, for those, including in the socialist camp, who saw Mohammed Kalandar’s post, this tribute goes down badly. Some do not hesitate to point out other posts on the networks where the elected official clearly displays his faith: “This is far from being the values advocated by the PS, whether for the tribute post or for such a marked display of its religion.” But other socialists refer to it as “the good comrade, appreciated by all.”
Not aware
For his part, the main person concerned pleads ignorance : “The Hashd al-Shaabi group played a very important role in the liberation of Iraq from the influence of Daesh. In particular, my hometown, Mosul (Mossoul) was released by this group and I am obviously grateful to them. To my knowledge, this group is currently officially linked to the Iraqi army and is managed directly by the Iraqi prime minister. On the other hand, regarding the accusations that target them, I don’t know how to help you. Also know that personally I am against all kinds of violence.” Asked about his knowledge of the accusations made against Hachd al-Chaabi, Mohammed Kalandar assures that he was not aware.
The post has not been deleted at the time of writing.
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