Over 35,000 prisoners have been released under Iraq’s amnesty law, according to the Supreme Judicial Council. The decision has been welcomed by many across the country. Prisoners convicted of theft, corruption, and drug offenses were included in the amnesty, while those convicted of terrorism-related murders were excluded.
It has been reported that approximately 144,000 more individuals could be eligible for release or exemption from imprisonment. These individuals include detainees awaiting trial, those released on bail, and individuals subject to arrest warrants. The judicial process is expected to be accelerated, and prison overcrowding is expected to be reduced.
Earlier this year, it was stated by the Justice Minister that Iraq’s 31 prisons were holding roughly 65,000 inmates, despite being designed for half that number. More than $34.4 million in reparations has been collected from convicted thieves and corrupt individuals under the law.
Those convicted of terrorism-related crimes can be retried if it is claimed that confessions were obtained under torture. Executions have been banned entirely under the new legislation.
Support and reintegration programs will be provided to prisoners released under the amnesty law. Experts have emphasized that prison reform and justice system efficiency can be strengthened through this law.
The release of over 35,000 prisoners has been considered a historic step that will impact both the justice system and social stability in Iraq.
