A well-informed source revealed details about the release of Major Omar Nizar, indicating that the evidence was insufficient and confirming that armed elements outside of security control were involved in the incident at the Olive Bridge. The source stated, "There has been a wide uproar recently regarding the decision to release Major Omar Nizar Fakhr al-Din, who was accused of killing protesters during the October protests in the city of Nasiriyah, specifically in the incident at the Olive Bridge."
It was added that "the Dhi Qar Criminal Court initially issued a life sentence against Major Omar Nizar based on the charges related to his role in firing at the protesters." However, "after appealing this decision to the Federal Court of Cassation, the expanded criminal panel at the Court of Cassation overturned this ruling and decided to release him due to insufficient evidence."
The decision to release was based on several key points contained in the report of the investigative committee from the Ministry of Interior:
1. **Comprehensive and Detailed Investigation**: The investigative committee documented all events related to the Olive Bridge incident and took testimonies from eyewitnesses and involved officers. The report confirmed that security forces, including members of the Rapid Reaction Force, did not engage in firing on the protesters.
2. **Insufficient Evidence**: The Ministry of Interior report, which was approved by former Interior Minister Othman Al-Ghanimi, indicated that the available evidence was not sufficient to confirm Major Omar Nizar's involvement or any member of the Rapid Reaction Force in the incident.
3. **Strict Legal Procedures**: The report clarified that all procedures followed by the Rapid Reaction Forces were within the legal framework, as force was not used unjustifiably, and compliance with general command instructions in dealing with protesters was maintained.
4. **Investigation Results**: Based on the investigations, the committee recommended not holding any member of the Rapid Reaction Force accountable, emphasizing that the armed elements involved in the shooting were outside the scope of official security control.
The source mentioned that "based on these findings, the expanded criminal panel at the Court of Cassation annulled the ruling of the Dhi Qar Criminal Court and ordered the release of Major Omar Nizar due to insufficient evidence."
**Summary**:
- The Dhi Qar Criminal Court sentenced Major Omar Nizar to life imprisonment for killing protesters.
- The Ministry of Interior investigative committee report, approved by the former Interior Minister, confirmed Major Omar Nizar's non-involvement in the incident.
- Investigations revealed insufficient evidence for the involvement of any member of the Rapid Reaction Force in the shooting.
- After appealing the decision to the Federal Court of Cassation, the expanded criminal panel overturned the ruling and ordered the release of Major Omar Nizar.
