A group of Iraqi lawmakers initiated a campaign on Sunday aimed at expelling U.S. Ambassador Alina Romanowski, alleging her involvement in the country’s internal affairs.
The move follows the Iraqi parliament’s approval of a bill criminalizing prostitution and homosexuality, a decision that Romanowski criticized for potentially violating human rights and fundamental freedoms protected by the country’s constitution.
During a press conference, lawmaker Faleh al-Khafaji, supported by members of the Shiite Coordination Framework, justified the expulsion campaign as a reaction to what they perceive as ongoing foreign influence in Iraq.
Al-Khafaji emphasized the importance of safeguarding Iraqi sovereignty against external interference, citing concerns over attempts to impose foreign agendas on the Iraqi people. He defended the anti-prostitution legislation as essential for upholding Iraqi values and ethics while accusing Romanowski of disrespecting the Iraqi parliament with her statements.
Furthermore, Al-Khafaji seized the opportunity to denounce U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict and the suppression of American university students protesting against these actions.
Demanding the replacement of the U.S. ambassador for perceived meddling in Iraqi affairs, Al-Khafaji called on the government to take action promptly.
Yusuf al-Kelabi, another member of the Coordination Framework, disclosed that they had gathered over 61 signatures for a memorandum urging the Foreign Ministry to designate Romanowski as “persona non grata.” He criticized what he viewed as the ambassador’s unauthorized involvement in Iraqi legislative matters and denounced what he perceived as hypocrisy by Western nations regarding human rights.
The backlash intensified after Iraq’s Parliament amended existing laws to criminalize homosexuality, prompting Romanowski to express concerns over potential violations of human rights and freedoms. She warned that the legislation could curtail free speech, and personal expression, and hinder the operations of NGOs in Iraq, ultimately undermining the country’s economic diversification and attractiveness for foreign investments.
The revised law explicitly penalizes same-sex relationships, reflecting prevailing conservative attitudes within the Arab nation. Passed discreetly over the weekend, it imposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment ranging from 10 to 15 years for homosexual activities and one to three years for gender transition and behaviors deemed as effeminate.
