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Iraq's parliament passes anti-normalization law

Iraq's lawmakers further criminalize relations with Israel.
This picture taken on March 26, 2022, shows a view of the exterior of Iraq's Council of Representatives.

WASHINGTON — Iraq's parliament passed a bill on May 26 criminalizing normalization and any cooperation or activities involved with Israel. It received widespread support, with 275 out of 329 lawmakers voting in favor of the law:

  • It criminalizes “normalization with the occupying Zionist entity of Palestinian lands” and prevents building any ties or “diplomatic, political, military, economic, cultural and any other types of relations” with Israel.
  • Any of the following activities are considered illegal and punishable by the law: traveling to or from Israel, visiting any of its embassies or organizations worldwide, establishing any relations with Israel, normalization with Israel, promoting any Zionist ideas in public or private via participation in conferences or via social media or any other means, affiliation with any Zionist organizations or helping them, and accepting any help or funds from Israel.
  • The penalty for such activities is up to a lifetime in prison and/or death.

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