To the accompaniment of fierce street fighting in Baghdad, Iraq’s new interim government issued new security measures yesterday that allow the prime minister to announce martial law in an effort to end the insurgency plaguing the country.
Almost within earshot of the clashes between gunmen and US troops, the justice minister, Malek al-Hassan, said at a news conference the National Safety Law provided for emergency measures, such as curfews, searches and detentions in defined areas for to 60 days.
"We are aware it could curb some freedoms," Mr Hassan said, but he noted the law was the first in the region to allow a state of emergency while protecting citizens’ rights.
He said it was needed to stop militants derailing progress towards national elections due by January.
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=781222004
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