New judicial complex ushers in new era of justice for Anbari citizens

Photo By Master Sgt. Keith Milks | Qasim Abid Muhammad Hammadi al-Fahadawi (center), governor of Iraq's Al Anbar province, cuts a ceremonial ribbon during the grand opening of the Anbar Judicial Complex in Ramadi, Iraq, June 13, 2009. The AJC sits on the site of a former Ba'ath palace, and boasts three court houses in which judges can hear cases, a pre-trial detention facility, administrative spaces, barracks and training grounds for Iraqi police, and housing for the judges and their families so they can administer the rule of law to the Iraqi people in a just and fair manner.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

06.15.2009

Story by Master Sgt. Keith Milks 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AR RAMADI, Iraq — On a narrow, triangular-shaped piece of land bordered on two sides by tributaries of the Euphrates River, a small collection of buildings mutely signal a change for the better in Iraq's Al Anbar province.

On the site of what was once a getaway for the family of deposed Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein and his Ba'ath party cronies, the government of Iraq has built a complex that heralds the emergence of rule of law in Iraq and an improved judicial process for the people of western Iraq. Dubbed 'Hurricane Point,' the site of the Anbar Judiciary Complex sits squarely in the middle of Ar Ramadi, the provincial capital for Al Anbar province.

With a grand opening ceremony held June 13, 2009, attended by key Iraqi tribal, government, police and military officials, the AJC marks a milestone in Iraq's progression toward a peaceful society.

Among those attending the ceremony were Al Anbar's Provincial Governor Qasim Abid Muhammad Hammadi al-Fahadawi, Doug Allen from the U.S. Department of Justice, James Soriano from the U.S. Department of State, Provincial Chief Judge Muhammed Al Kubaisi, Paramount Sheik Ahmed Abu Risha, Al Anbar's Provincial Council Chairman Dr. Jassim Muhammad Al Halbusi, Provincial Chief of Police Maj. Gen. Tareq al-Dulaimi, and Brig. Gen. John Wissler, the deputy commanding general of Multi-National Force - West.

"This judicial complex is a shining example of a new era in Iraq," said Soriano during his remarks at the ceremony. In his role as the team chief for the Al Anbar Provincial Reconstruction Team, Soriano is the primary liaison between the U.S. and Iraqi government in matters dealing with economic growth and social infrastructure in the Al Anbar province.

"[A country] needs a strong and independent judiciary," he said, commenting on the emergence of the rule of law in Iraq. "Rule of law means human rights and civil rights, the application of justice to all citizens, and vigilance against corruption."

"Rule of law makes economic development possible and protects social and economic resources."

For years, progress in the Al Anbar province had been hamstrung by an al-Qaida-backed insurgency and bitter fighting between terrorist fighters and U.S. and Iraqi security forces.

However, the emergence of an anti-insurgent movement sparked among Al Anbar's prominent tribes, combined with the sacrifices of U.S. service members and Iraqi soldiers and police, has brought a measure of peace and stability to Anbar and fostered an environment for economic growth and the resurgence of law and order.

"We opened the Anbar Judicial Complex so people's properties and assets can be protected," said Qasim Abid Muhammad Hammadi al-Fahadawi, governor of the Al Anbar province. "We are working hard to bring justice to the people of Al Anbar."

The AJC boasts three separate court houses in which judges can hear cases, a pre-trial detention facility, administrative spaces, barracks and training grounds for Iraqi police, and housing for the judges and their families. The consolidation of these locations provides an environment in which Iraqi judges can administer the law and safeguard the accused without fear of intimidation or reprisals from criminal or terrorist elements seeking to impede the application of justice.

The $21.4 million construction and renovation process was paid for by funds from the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction fund, the Iraq security forces fund, and the Iraq Interim Government fund. Supervised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the refurbishment was executed by the ALMCO Group, a construction and service company headquartered in Baghdad which employed local labor to complete the year-long project.

The opening of the AJC marks the second such opening in Iraq. A similar judicial complex opened in Baghdad in 2007, and those involved in the AJC are proud of setting the example for the rest of the country.

"All eyes are looking to Al Anbar because of the great improvements here," said Governor Qasim, reflecting on Al Anbar's recent successes while also looking forward. "Our sons are determined to build a great future."

• Date Taken: 06.15.2009
• Date Posted: 06.15.2009 01:44
• Story ID: 35047
• Location: RAMADI, IQ