This fatwa declares the United States-led invasion of Iraq to be despotic, illegal and a repudiation of both Islamic and international law. It describes the invasion as indiscriminate and brutal, resulting in the death of women, children and the elderly, as well as the destruction of various public facilities. Moreover, that the invasion was disproportionate and gravely violated people's human rights. The fatwa states that the persons responsible must be tried as aggressors and war-mongers before an international court, and must repair the damage they have caused. The fatwa also states that prior to the invasion Iraq was a sovereign state meaning that the new government administration now represents the rights of the Iraqi people.