Anbar demonstrators respond to Maliki’s claims they are just a ‘bubble’

Anbar demonstrators respond to Maliki’s claims they are just a ‘bubble’

by BT on 12-01-2013

translated for the BRusells Tribunal by Lubna Al-Rudaini and final editing by Mundher Adhami

BRussells Tribunal

This photo article is based on a report issued 8th January 2013 by the Adminstrative Committee of the Ramadi city vigil, in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. It describes the demonstrations that started 26 December 2012, and turned in the following week into a permanent encampment of protest. The Organising Committee report in Arabic is entitled: “Is this demonstration really a ‘bubble’ like Al- Maliki described it? Does it include ‘stinking’ slogans as he said? Let the whole world know our case!”. That is in response to the immediate public claims by the sitting Prime Minster Nuri Maliki that the demonstration is just a passing’ bubble’, with ‘stinking’ slogans.

“We would like to give everyone a clear image about what is happening.  In the first three days the demonstrations were somehow chaotic and unorganized.  But as time passed, things improved and become organized. That is why these demonstrations have lasted for more than 10 days now, and became an example for a successful protest.

“An Administrative Committee to run the protest was formed, which includes clerics, representatives of tribes, academics, and educators. Subcommittees were formed for Security, Hospitality, Podium, Hygiene, and Meals. Some other volunteers are in charge of ambulances, street vendors, banners and social media.

The Security group arranges car parking areas away from the demonstration area, and  man checkpoints at entrances to the demonstration. They check the slogans on banners, and remove any that are unsuited to the protest.

There is a medical group for emergencies and an ambulance.

The hospitality group coordinates the traditional hostelries offered by the tribes ( as meeting places open to all). Tribes have each provided one large tent, or marquee,  with their name and slogans.  There are more than 60 tents, each with a power generator, arranged on the two sides of the main road.  Following established traditions, heads of the tribes and other prominent members sit there to receive guests. Some people stay nights, and  some tents have satellite services, and internet connection.

The podium group is in charge of maintaining the raised platform and the access to it.  Allowed through the door are only the speakers, or those with a worthy poem, or with statements that supports ( elaborates) the demands of the demonstrators.

The hygiene group ensures the cleanliness of the demonstration area.  Some workers wear a uniform , and work in collecting the garbage to be taken away to keep the place clean.

The meals’ group ensures three daily regular meals for the demonstrators and visitors.  Lunch time is the busiest, when the number of the demonstrators is swelled, especially with visitors from outside Al-Ramadi.  Al-Ramadi tribes pride themselves in generosity and hospitality and compete in offering   daily meals.  So the admin committee drew up a rota table so that each tribe would serve food for one whole day, so that all the tribes can participate on equal terms in cooking and serving the meals over time. The committee made a schedule of 20-25 days, in which the tribe whose turn it is to cook and serve,  do so in five tents installed as kitchens. There are also a truck for distributing drinking water to the demonstrators, and another for distributing cleaning and washing water.

A place is allotted for Vendors with stalls to sell foodstuff and similar items.

A group of the demonstrators provide flags and banners, distributing leaflets , and staying in contact with the public via emails , Facebook and Twitter. The committee provided the demonstration areas with power generators and lightings, from what is provided gratis by people from Al-Anbar.

Many volunteers from the province are giving their time, money, cars and efforts in the service of the demonstrators who vowed to keep the vigil until the dignities and the rights of the Iraqis are regained.

Is this demonstration really a ‘bubble’ like Al- Maliki described it?

Does it include ‘stinkin’ slogans as he said?

Let the whole world know our case!