The headquarters of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council in Baghdad
Justice Ministry says nearly 16,000 inmates freed in 2025
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Justice Ministry said Sunday that 15,914 inmates were released from facilities run by the Iraqi Corrections Directorate during 2025, including more than 10,000 freed under the General Amnesty Law.
In a statement dated Jan. 4, 2026, the ministry said “15,914 inmates were released from various prisons of the Iraqi Corrections Directorate during 2025,” adding that 10,931 inmates were freed under the General Amnesty Law, while 4,983 others were released based on different judicial decisions.
The ministry said the releases were carried out “in accordance with approved legal procedures and after completing auditing and review processes by the competent committees, in line with applicable legal regulations.”
It said “10,931 inmates were released pursuant to the General Amnesty Law after confirming their inclusion under its provisions,” while “4,983 other inmates were released based on different judicial decisions.”
The ministry said “all release operations were carried out after auditing files and fulfilling legal conditions, and in coordination with relevant authorities,” adding that the process aims to “ensure the application of the law with justice and accuracy while preserving the rights of the state, society and inmates alike.”
The announcement comes as Iraqi authorities continue to implement amendments to the General Amnesty Law. In December, the Supreme Judicial Council said “the total number of those released from prisons and detention centers under this law reached 38,787,” while cases involving arrest warrants, summons orders, bail procedures and in-absentia convictions totaled “155,553.”
The General Amnesty Law, first passed in 2016 and amended in 2025, excludes those convicted of terrorism offenses, violent crimes and drug-related crimes. Lawmakers said the amendment narrowed the definition of terrorist affiliation and allowed retrials in cases involving confessions obtained under duress or based on information from secret informants, as part of efforts to strengthen due process protections.