Iraqi political cartoonist draws trouble
Iraqi cartoonists are targeted for their drawings that criticize corruption and Islamic political parties in the country.
The caricatures by young Iraqi artist Ahmed Fallah mock and criticize Iraqi politicians. While he and other political cartoonists are threatened, young Iraqis share the drawings on social networking sites and use them during protests to express their anger at the politicians.
In reference to Iraqi politicians’ exploitation of religion and repressive practices against citizens, Fallah drew former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein wearing the turban of a cleric after he was arrested, with a prayer bump on the forehead, mockingly showing his dedication to prayer. The cartoon was popular among Iraqis, who are angered at the level of corruption within Islamic political parties and particularly the clergy, who take advantage of their status to cover up their parties’ corruption and prevent the politicians from being held accountable. Fallah sparked a strong backlash on social media and was forced to flee the country.
