Justice Ministry launches hotline for delayed inmate release complaints

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Justice has launched a new hotline to allow citizens to report delays in releasing inmates who have completed their sentences or are eligible for release under the General Amnesty Law.

The initiative, announced Sunday, aims to address long-standing concerns about stalled or unimplemented court rulings. “The service was launched to receive complaints from citizens in the event of any delay in implementing release decisions,” the ministry said in a statement, quoting Minister of Justice Khalid Shwani.

The ministry said the hotline is part of broader efforts to promote transparency and enforce judicial rulings without delay. It is intended to create “a direct and rapid communication channel between the citizen and the judicial institution,” enabling families to report issues with release procedures.

The hotline is available during official working hours on two numbers: 07779330068 and 07866001980.

Officials said the service would support “immediate handling” of complaints and help “enhance administrative oversight” within Iraq’s correctional system.

Earlier this month, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council announced that nearly 28,000 individuals have been released from prisons and detention centers under the General Amnesty Law.

First enacted in 2016 and amended earlier this year, the law was designed to correct wrongful convictions and reduce arbitrary detentions. It excludes those convicted of terrorism, violent crimes, or drug-related offenses.