Iraq extradites two fugitives from Iran for terrorism-related kidnappings

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced Thursday the extradition of two individuals from Iran who had been sentenced in absentia to death for their involvement in terrorism-related kidnappings.

In a statement, the ministry praised the “diligent and exceptional efforts” of the Arab and International Police Directorate/Interpol, which worked closely with Interpol Tehran to apprehend the fugitives. “Through direct coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, our teams successfully recovered two Iraqi nationals who had fled justice,” the statement said.

“These individuals were wanted by the Iraqi judiciary on charges of terrorism-related kidnapping and had been sentenced to death in absentia,” the ministry added. They were handed over to Iraqi authorities to “receive their just punishment.”

No further details were provided about the specific kidnapping incidents.

The extradition follows a longstanding extradition agreement between Iraq and Iran, signed in April 2011 and made official under Law No. 90 of 2012. This agreement simplifies the process of transferring suspects and convicted individuals between the two countries. The Iraqi Ministry of Justice emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both nations to effective judicial cooperation while respecting each other’s sovereignty.

In addition to this, Iraq and Iran signed a separate agreement in 2015 focused on the exchange of prisoners. While this agreement covers individuals convicted of civil matters, it does not apply to those convicted of terrorism. Most prisoners exchanged under the agreement are serving sentences related to personal status issues. The most recent exchange took place in November 2023 when Iraq returned 14 Iranian prisoners to Iran.