Ministry of Justice denies mass executions during Eid al-Adha

BAGHDAD – The Ministry of Justice has denied reports of mass executions during the Eid al-Adha holiday and announced plans to prosecute those spreading such rumors.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry called the circulated information “misleading and inaccurate, aiming to incite chaos and confuse public opinion.” The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting society from rumors and fake news, which it says threaten security and stability.

The ministry affirmed its adherence to international human rights standards, the implementation of a reform program, and the application of the law with full transparency and integrity. It urged citizens and media outlets to verify news from official sources and avoid spreading false information.

The Iraqi government has faced criticism from Sunni politicians for executing dozens of individuals convicted of terrorism charges. International rights groups have expressed concerns about ongoing executions, citing a lack of transparency. Since December, at least 34 individuals have been hanged in Iraqi prisons, with Amnesty International suggesting the actual figures might be higher. In some cases, prisoners, their lawyers, and families were not notified. Executed individuals typically come from Sunni backgrounds.