Latest news with #KhalidShwani
Iraqi News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Memorandum of Understanding Signed to Enhance Human Rights Cooperation between Iraq and Iran
The Ministry of Justice announced today, Tuesday, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of human rights between Baghdad and Tehran. According to a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Ministry stated 'As part of the joint efforts between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran to promote human rights principles and exchange legal expertise, the Ministry of Justice and the Iranian Human Rights Commission have signed an official Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement seeks to develop mechanisms for bilateral cooperation in this vital field. The signing took place during the visit of Iraq's Minister of Justice, Khalid Shwani, to Tehran, where he met with the Head of the Iranian Human Rights Commission, Nasser Seraj, along with several senior officials.' The statement added 'The memorandum outlines enhanced technical and institutional cooperation between the two countries in the area of human rights, capacity building, development of human resources, and coordination of positions in relevant regional and international forums. It is intended to support the advancement of human rights pathways in both countries and strengthen their national and international commitments.' During the signing ceremony, both parties emphasized 'the importance of this step in light of shared challenges,' and expressed 'their aspiration for a strategic partnership based on mutual understanding and the exchange of expertise, one that positively contributes to the development of the judicial and legal systems in both Iraq and Iran.' The Minister of Justice affirmed that 'this agreement aligns with the Iraqi government's approach to strengthening regional cooperation in the judicial, legal, and humanitarian fields.' For its part, the Iranian side highlighted 'the importance of building bridges of communication with neighboring countries, particularly Iraq, as part of a comprehensive vision aimed at promoting stability, justice, and respect for human rights.' The statement concluded 'This Memorandum of Understanding represents a balanced step reflecting the two countries' desire for joint action, unifying efforts to face challenges, and benefiting from shared experiences, ultimately enhancing their presence on the international stage in this vital area.'
Shafaq News
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq-Iran talks to discuss implementation of judicial agreements
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Ministry of Justice announced on Monday that a joint technical committee with its Iranian counterpart is 'under consideration' to follow up on the implementation of bilateral agreements between Baghdad and Tehran. According to a ministry statement, the Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani met with his Iranian counterpart Amin Hossein Rahimi in Tehran, discussing ways to develop bilateral legal ties and activate existing agreements. The talks also included the potential formation of a joint technical committee to oversee the execution of signed agreements, particularly those related to correctional institutions and broader judicial and legal collaboration. 'The committee would aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise and help modernize legal systems in both countries.' The two sides also explored the possibility of signing a new memorandum of understanding covering the extradition of individuals wanted in corruption cases and the recovery of public funds. The proposal reflects both governments' commitment to the rule of law and to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crime.
Iraqi News
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Minister of Justice: Our Visit to Iran Comes as Part of Expanding International Cooperation in the Judicial Field
Minister of Justice Khalid Shwani affirmed on Monday that his visit to Iran comes within the framework of the Iraqi government's efforts to expand international cooperation in the judicial field. According to a statement from the Ministry, obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), 'Minister of Justice Khalid Shwani arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in judicial and legal fields. The visit commenced with an extended meeting between Shwani and his Iranian counterpart, Amin Hossein Rahimi, along with their respective delegations.' The statement added that 'the meeting discussed ways to develop judicial relations between the two countries and activate the bilateral agreements signed in this regard.' It noted that 'the two sides also discussed forming a joint technical committee tasked with following up on the implementation of the agreements signed between Baghdad and Tehran, particularly those related to correctional institutions and judicial and legal cooperation, in a way that promotes the exchange of expertise and contributes to the development of legal systems.' It further pointed out that 'both parties also addressed the possibility of signing a new memorandum of understanding focused on extradition of individuals wanted in corruption cases and the recovery of public funds belonging to both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to upholding the rule of law and enhancing cooperation in combating cross-border crime.' According to the statement, Shwani emphasized that 'this visit is part of the Iraqi government's efforts to broaden international judicial cooperation, activate relevant bilateral agreements, and strengthen the exchange of legal expertise between the two countries.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iraq frees over 19,000 prisoners under new amnesty, including some ex-ISIL
Iraq has released more than 19,000 prisoners under a sweeping amnesty law designed to relieve pressure on its overcrowded prison system, including inmates convicted of being members of ISIL (ISIS). The move offers legal reprieves to some individuals convicted on terrorism-related charges, judicial authorities said on Tuesday. The law has also halted all executions, including for former ISIL members. The group once controlled nearly a third of Iraq's territory after sweeping across the country in 2014, capturing major cities, including Mosul, Tikrit and Fallujah, before they were vanquished in 2017. The years of their control killed thousands of people, displaced hundreds of thousands, decimated the Yazidi population and left vast areas in ruins. Many members were arrested as Iraqi forces retook ISIL-held areas. The amnesty law, enacted in January, allows certain prisoners convicted of belonging to armed groups to seek release, a retrial or have their cases dismissed. However, those found guilty of killings linked to 'extremism' are excluded from eligibility. The legislation was strongly backed by Sunni lawmakers, many of whom have long argued that anti-terrorism laws disproportionately targeted Sunni communities in the years after Iraq's clampdown on ISIL. Detainees will now be permitted to request retrials if they claim their confessions were obtained through torture or coercion while in custody. After a meeting in Baghdad chaired by Supreme Judicial Council President Faeq Zeidan, officials confirmed that 19,381 prisoners had been freed from January to total number of individuals benefitting from the law – including those sentenced in absentia, granted bail or with arrest warrants lifted – now stands at 93,597, according to a statement issued after the meeting. The reforms come amid mounting pressure on Iraq's penal system. Justice Minister Khalid Shwani said this month that the country's 31 prisons held about 65,000 inmates – nearly double their intended capacity. 'When we took office, overcrowding stood at 300 percent,' he told The Associated Press news agency. 'After two years of reform, we've reduced it to 200 percent. Our goal is to bring that down to 100 percent by next year in line with international standards.' Thousands more people remain in the custody of Iraq's security forces but have yet to be transferred to the Ministry of Justice due to lack of space. Among those released under the new amnesty are individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes such as corruption, theft and drug use. Iraq has faced international criticism for its use of the death penalty. Rights groups have condemned mass executions and opaque legal processes, including carrying out death sentences without notifying prisoners' families or legal representatives. Last month, Amnesty International expressed concern after at least 13 men were put to death in Nasiriya Central Prison in the southern governorate of Thi Qar following their convictions on 'overly broad and vague terrorism charges'.
Iraqi News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Justice Ministry: Iraq Wins Arbitration Decision and International Lawsuit, Avoiding Substantial Compensation Payments
The Ministry of Justice announced today, Monday, that it has won an arbitration decision and a legal case in favor of Iraq, which contributed to sparing the country from paying large financial compensations demanded by foreign companies. In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Ministry stated:'Under the direct supervision of the Minister of Justice, Khalid Shwani, and as part of a new legal achievement, the Ministry has secured an arbitration ruling and a legal case in favor of Iraq, which helped the country avoid the payment of substantial compensations claimed by foreign companies.' The statement added that 'two commercial companies had filed lawsuits against the Iraqi government—one before the International Arbitration Center in Dubai, and the other before the Commercial Court in İskenderun—seeking financial compensation on the grounds of being harmed by the implementation of two projects inside Iraq.' It continued:'The Legal Department at the Ministry confronted these lawsuits through meticulous follow-up and the preparation of comprehensive legal pleadings, which resulted in rulings issued in favor of Iraq.' In turn, Haitham Mohi Radi, Director General of the Legal Department, clarified that 'the legal team at the Ministry continued its proceedings before the arbitration panel until the issuance of the final ruling,' adding that 'one of the companies later appealed the arbitration decision before the Dubai Court of Appeal, but the court dismissed the appeal and upheld the ruling in Iraq's favor after a series of legal arguments presented by the specialized team.' He affirmed that 'this achievement represents a new victory for the Legal Department and reflects the state's ability to defend its rights in international forums,' emphasizing that 'the ruling spares the public treasury from significant financial obligations and strengthens the confidence of international institutions in the competence of the Iraqi legal system.'
