Three sentenced to prison for promoting Baath party ideals in Iraq

BAGHDAD, January 11 — The Karkh Criminal Court in Baghdad has sentenced three individuals to six years in prison each for promoting the ideas of the prohibited Baath Party. This ruling was made following their activity on social media during 2022, including posts under the title “Assad (lion) Saddam’s Army.”

As per a judicial statement received by 964media, the court’s decision was based on the individuals’ participation and affiliation with the outlawed Baath Party. Their convictions were specifically related to the promotion of Baathist ideals on social media and displaying posters that glorified the former regime.

The verdict was issued under Article 8/first of the law that prohibits the Baath party, along with racist, terrorist, and takfiri (excommunicational) parties, entities, and activities. The ruling also referenced Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the Amended Penal Code No. 111 of 1969.

Text of the judicial statement:

The court sentenced each individual for participating in and affiliating with the outlawed Baath Party. Their conviction stems from the promotion of Baathist ideals through posts on social media and the display of posters glorifying the former regime, all under the banner of “Assad Saddam’s Army” in 2022.

The ruling was made in accordance with Article 8/first of the law prohibiting the Baath party,  racist, terrorist and takfiri (excommunicational) parties, entities and activities. Reference was also made to Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the Amended Penal Code No. 111 of 1969.