As of April 6
Justice Ministry: 1,000 prisoners released under general amnesty law
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Justice announced Sunday the release of 1,000 prisoners under the country’s general amnesty law, following the completion of legal procedures and final court rulings.
The ministry said the releases, finalized as of April 6, were carried out under directives from Justice Minister Khalid Shwani to “facilitate implementation of the amnesty law and uphold legal standards.”
The figures reflect cases concluded by April 6, 2025, according to the ministry.
Lawmakers approved the General Amnesty Law on Jan. 21, along with the Personal Status Law and Property Restitution Law, after months of political deadlock among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs. Passage of the amnesty law had been a central demand of Sunni parties during the administration of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Iraq’s prison system has long struggled with overcrowding and poor conditions. Shwani said in April 2024 that overcrowding would be resolved by 2026.
