Baghdad: The Iraqi National News Agency has released the full text of the Counter-Terrorism Law, which will be rigorously enforced against any armed activity that occurs outside the framework of the state after the September 30, 2026 deadline. This move comes as part of the government's decisions to ensure the state's exclusive control over weapons.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the decisions were issued at the State Administration Coalition meeting, emphasizing adherence to the timeline for implementing weapons control measures. Any armed activity beyond the state-sanctioned framework will be dealt with under the provisions of the Counter-Terrorism Law No. (13) of 2005. The law aims to uphold the rule of law, enhance security and stability, and ensure that weapons are held solely by official institutions.

The law, originally approved by the National Assembly, defines terrorism as any criminal act targeting individuals or institutions with the intent of disrupting security and stability, causing damage to property, or inciting chaos. It outlines specific acts considered as terrorist activities, including violence, threats, sabotage of public properties, inciting sectarian strife, and attacking military or diplomatic entities with terrorist intent.

Penalties under the law are severe, with those involved in terrorist acts facing the death penalty. Individuals concealing terrorist activities or harboring terrorists may face life imprisonment. However, the law provides exemptions and mitigating circumstances for those who voluntarily provide information to authorities that leads to the prevention of a terrorist act or the arrest of perpetrators.

The law includes final provisions stating that crimes under this legislation are deemed ordinary crimes involving moral turpitude, with confiscation of materials used in the commission of such crimes. Matters not addressed in the law will be subject to the provisions of the applicable Penal Code.