Baghdad: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) affirmed on Thursday that the title ‘judge’ may not be used by anyone holding a position or office outside the Council, while deciding to withdraw complaints it had filed against lawyers.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Council announced that during its ninth session, chaired by the President of the Federal Court of Cassation, Judge Faiq Zidan, a memorial was held for retired Deputy Public Prosecutor Karim Muhi Jabr, who recently passed away. The Council also approved the promotion of several judges, along with transfers, secondments, assignments of judicial positions, and organizational arrangements in various Courts of Appeal presidencies to align with public interest requirements.

The Council’s statement further elaborated on the issue of the ‘judge’ title usage by individuals who have transitioned from the judiciary to roles within legislative or executive branches, or other separate institutions. This discussion was in line with Federal Supreme Court Decision No. (66/Federal/2021), dated September 29, 2021, which annulled Legislative Order No. 88 of 2004.

The statement reiterated that the title ‘judge’ is reserved exclusively for those within the Supreme Judicial Council.

Additionally, the Supreme Judicial Council encouraged judges to work collaboratively with the Iraqi Bar Association and lawyers to facilitate the smooth execution of their duties. In celebration of Lawyers’ Day, the Council resolved to retract complaints that it had previously filed against lawyers in its official capacity.