Skip to main content

Will Iraq pass amnesty law that could pardon terrorists?

Iraqi political blocs have agreed to pass the general amnesty draft law, although there are concerns that terrorists might be released in accordance with it.
A policeman looks on outside a prison in eastern Baghdad September 19, 2011. Six inmates were killed and 27 others injured after a fire broke out early on Monday at a prison in eastern Baghdad, police and hospital sources said. The reason of the fire was unknown. An Interior Ministry source said three inmates were killed and 30 wounded in the fire. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW DISASTER) - RTR2RJN5
Read in 

BAGHDAD — Although the political blocs in the Iraqi Parliament agreed to pass the general amnesty draft law, voting on it has been delayed since the beginning of the current parliament’s term in 2014.

This delay reflects the concerns of competing political parties in the Iraqi Parliament, as some believe the draft law would lead to the release of terrorists or criminals, while others want their jailed leaders and comrades to be freed.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.