Christian parties warn of demographic change in Iraq's Nineveh Plain, submit protest note

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Three Christian political parties in Iraq have submitted a formal protest note to the prime minister and the Nineveh governor over land distribution practices in the Nineveh Plain, calling them unconstitutional and unlawful. The Assyrian Democratic Movement, the Beth Nahrain National Unity Party and the Assyrian National Party, all running on the Iraqiyya list, said the note rejects any attempt at demographic change in the area. The parties said ongoing land allocation and irregular practices violate the constitution and existing laws, and warned of risks to the rights of local communities, social peace and the rule of law. They cited Article 23, paragraph 3(b) of the Iraqi constitution, which prohibits property acquisition intended to bring about demographic change. Among their demands, the parties called for the immediate suspension of all transactions carried out in violation of the law and for the protection of the region's historical identity. No immediate response from the prime minister's office or the Nineveh governorate was reported.