Iraq government spokesman vows protection of Speicher massacre victims' rights

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi government spokesman Basim al-Zaydi said the government is working to protect the rights of the victims of the Speicher tragedy, known as the Sheikh Sa'ad massacre, and to preserve the memory of those killed. Speaking in a statement, al-Zaydi said support programs for the victims' families will continue and that legal proceedings are being pursued to hold those responsible accountable. The statement said commemorative events and official ceremonies will be held to keep the victims' memory alive in the national consciousness. Al-Zaydi added that coordination between relevant institutions has been strengthened and that mechanisms have been established to follow up on the rights of the victims' relatives. The Speicher massacre took place in 2014 when the Islamic State (ISIS) carried out a mass execution of military cadets at the Speicher military facility, also known as Camp Speicher. Around 1,000 cadets were killed in the atrocity. Families of the victims have long pressed for the prosecution of those responsible and for compensation claims to be addressed.