Iraqi parliament criminalizes display of Israeli flag, 'Zionist' symbols

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Iraqi parliament voted on Tuesday to activate existing laws that ‘criminalize’ what it describes as Zionist symbols, including the Israeli flag, in Iraq.

The parliament stated on its website that such symbols must be considered a criminal act, such as displaying the flag of Israel in public gatherings.

It said that the decision by the Iraqi parliament commits all state institutions to this law. It was reported that the parliamentary bloc of the Shiite Supreme Islamic Council which enjoys strong ties with Iran brought the motion to the Iraqi parliament.

As many other Arab and Muslim countries Iraq does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. The parliament did not clarify what triggered today's vote. 

Some Kurds in and outside the Kurdish Region waved the Israeli flag in pro-independence rallies in the run up to the Kurdish vote that was held on September 25.

Israel is the only country that has openly supported the Kurdish bid for independence.

Iraqi officials, including Vice President Nouri al-Maliki, have described an independent Kurdistan as the second Israel in the Middle East. Iran, and Turkey used a similar language, expressing their opposition to the Israeli support for Erbil.

The Kurdistan Region, does not have direct diplomatic ties with Israel. But the two nations enjoy historic relations that go back decades.

The Iraqi parliament also voted on Tuesday to authorize federal security forces to resume duties in Kirkuk. It said the Iraqi government must “exclusively” be in control of the security of the oil-rich and diverse province.

Iraqi forces, supported by Iran-backed Hashd al-Shaabi, took control of Kirkuk, and many other disputed or Kurdistani areas since October 16 after driving out the Kurdish Peshmerga.