CAMPUS ASKED TO SHOW DEFORMED BABIES

By Parastou Alizadeh

Deformed Iraqi babies could be displayed on posters and placed around Harrow campus by the Islamic Society in protest against war in Iraq.

The Society wants to remind students of the horrors of war, and has asked the Students Union for permission to show the posters. Its request follows Tony Blair’s recent speech pledging to back America in a war against Iraq.

Mustafa Field, president of the society, said that people in England are not reminded enough of the suffering in Iraq. He said that “in England we have the freedom to express ourselves” and he wants to make the most of this to fight this cause.

Mr Field, who comes from Iraq, condemned Saddam Hussein’s human rights record, especially against minority groups such as the Shia Muslims.

He said: “We were told Saddam was going to be taken out of power before, but he was not. This time it is clear that Saddam is not going to be taken out and the country has suffered enough.

“It’s time the people of Iraq were left alone. They are struggling to survive – it should be left up to them to decide on their government

“If you have a problem with the leader of a family you do not hit the children. It is the same with Iraq.”

Mr Field said that there is no excuse for the suffering of more innocent civilians, especially when the leader of Iraq does not care about them.

The Students Union will give its decision about whether the poster can be shown in the next few weeks.