Baghdad:The National Center for International Judicial Cooperation has been instrumental in enhancing Iraq’s judicial collaboration with international partners, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and transnational crimes. Ali Hussein Jafat, head of the Center, highlighted its role in preventing a terrorist plot in Germany and expanding judicial partnerships globally.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the center was established following the conclusion of the United Nations Investigative Team’s mandate, which focused on crimes committed by Da’esh. The center now serves as a permanent framework for international judicial cooperation, continuing the collection and preservation of evidence for judicial processes.

The center functions as the main contact for international judicial cooperation related to terrorism and organized crime. It facilitates legal assistance, evidence exchange, and supports the Iraqi judiciary’s interaction with international bodies. Notably, it signed a strategic arrangement with Eurojust in 2026 to enhance cooperation and expedite the prosecution of international cases.

The Center has achieved significant milestones, such as managing the reception of 5,704 ISIS suspects from 67 countries, demonstrating its vital role in international coordination and evidence management. Iraq has also collaborated with countries like Spain, Germany, and Sweden to thwart terrorist activities and organized crime, resulting in arrests and prosecutions.

In the United States, cooperation helped identify an individual involved in a New Orleans attack in January 2025, which led to legal action against the accused in Iraq. The center emphasizes the importance of protecting witnesses and survivors, particularly those of terrorist crimes, and has developed guidelines to ensure their rights and dignity during legal processes.

The Center faces challenges due to the transnational nature of crimes but continues to improve evidence management and expand its international network. Its vision for the future includes enhancing digital evidence capabilities and broadening its partnerships to solidify Iraq’s role in global judicial cooperation.