Baghdad: Today’s newspapers in Baghdad focus on the ongoing debate surrounding “controversial laws” and the consequences of the Federal Court’s recent decisions concerning them.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Supreme Judicial Council has mandated courts to proceed with implementing amendments to the General Amnesty Law, in accordance with its provisions. The Federal Supreme Court reiterated that its decisions are final and binding on all authorities, including state orders.
The newspaper Al-Zawraa, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council. It clarified that the enforcement of laws and challenges to their constitutionality are addressed by Articles (93/First) and (129) of the 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq. These articles require laws to be published in the Official Gazette before they can be challenged on constitutional grounds. The council emphasized that the implementation of laws should not be halted before publication, referencing past decisions by the Federal Supreme Court.
Al-Zawraa further reported that despite the Federal Supreme Court issuing an order to stop implementing certain laws, such as the Personal Status Law No. (188) of 1959, these laws are not yet in force due to their absence from the Official Gazette. Thus, the court’s federal order is deemed irrelevant as it targets laws not officially published. The report also noted that state orders are temporary and lack the binding force of final judgments.
On the same topic, Al-Zawraa noted the Federal Supreme Court’s confirmation that its decisions, including state orders, are final and binding, as stipulated in Article (94) of the Constitution. Legal experts, consulted by Al-Zaman newspaper, provided their perspectives on the matter. Basem Al-Bayati, a legal expert, indicated that the Federal Court’s decision specifically addresses the unconstitutionality of laws benefiting individuals involved in financial crimes while excluding those who have made financial restitution.
Al-Bayati emphasized that it is inappropriate for individuals involved in embezzlement and public fund theft to benefit from amnesty without returning the stolen funds. He argued that the exception should apply only to those who have settled financially with the state. Another legal expert, Omar Al-Azzawi, mentioned that while the Supreme Judicial Council has instructed courts to implement the amnesty law, the Federal Supreme Court’s order suspends its implementation pending case resolutions.
In security-related developments, Al-Sabah newspaper reported on measures to secure Iraq’s border areas. The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Numan, revealed that border forces have been equipped with advanced electronic surveillance systems. Al-Numan stated that the armed forces are well-prepared to manage security threats and monitor terrorist activities, particularly those of ISIS, outside Iraq. He assured that the government remains committed to overcoming challenges and strengthening border security with the support of the Iraqi army and intelligence services.