Baghdad: Legal expert and consultant, Salem Hawas, has raised concerns over the recent announcement banning fireworks during New Year celebrations, questioning its timing and effectiveness. He argues that the statement, although significant, is belated and unlikely to have a substantial impact unless it is supported by rigorous preventive measures.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hawas emphasized that ensuring public security requires more than just seasonal declarations; it necessitates well-defined executive plans. These plans should include a ban on the importation, promotion, and sale of fireworks well in advance of the festivities. He criticized the practice of allowing markets, particularly Al-Shorja, to become saturated with fireworks before implementing a ban, describing the move as reactive rather than a coherent state policy.

Hawas further elaborated that an effective legal strategy involves controlling border checkpoints, confiscating illicit goods, closing down non-compliant shops, issuing immediate violation reports, and prosecuting offenders. He warned that any leniency in these enforcement actions undermines the rule of law.

Moreover, Hawas pointed out that the real threat lies not in the fireworks themselves but in the potential for official statements to become meaningless without concrete enforcement actions. He cautioned that without visible enforcement efforts and public reporting of seizures and penalties, the Ministry of Interior risks eroding its credibility and deterrent power. A robust state, he concluded, is characterized by prevention before incidents occur and decisive enforcement after announcements, rather than strong rhetoric without observable outcomes.