An independent investigation is essential because these killings have huge implications for efforts to establish the rule of law in Iraq.

This is clearly a situation in which a failure to undertake a convincing investigation will have major negative implications for all that the government is trying to achieve.

The purpose of these killings has been to repress and divide the population for political gain.

Every such killing represents a major setback to the peace process, and every retaliatory death plays into the hands of those whose interests do not lie in the restoration of peace.

The dangerous escalation of the conflict in recent days is a direct consequence of killings being allowed to run unchecked.

The government is, in effect, instructing its forces to shoot innocent people, in complete disregard for the right to life.