Iraq Executes 11 Convicted on Terrorism Charges

On April 25, 2024, Iraqi authorities executed at least 11 people convicted of terrorism charges, according to security and health sources. The executions were carried out by hanging at a prison in Nasiriyah, under the supervision of a justice ministry team.

The individuals were from Salahaddin province, and their bodies were returned to their families. Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group," which carries the death penalty.

Amnesty International condemned the executions, citing an "alarming lack of transparency" and "overly broad and vague terrorism charges." The human rights group called for an immediate moratorium on executions and the abolition of the death penalty in Iraq.

The executions took place under Article 4 of Iraq's anti-terrorism law, which allows for capital punishment for membership in a terrorist group regardless of whether the defendant was an active fighter. The UN had previously expressed "deep concern" over reports of mass executions in Iraq's prison system, including 13 prisoners executed on December 25, 2023.

Why this matters: The use of the death penalty for terrorism-related offenses in Iraq has drawn international criticism over the lack of transparency and fairness in trials. The executions highlight ongoing concerns about human rights and the administration of justice in the country.

Rights groups have criticized Iraq's trials as hasty, with confessions sometimes allegedly obtained under torture. "A total of 13 men were hanged on Monday, including 11 who had been convicted for their affiliation with the Islamic State militant group," stated Amnesty International. The Islamic State group, which was defeated in Iraq in 2017, continues to carry out deadly attacks, prompting the Iraqi government to impose harsh sentences for terrorism-related offenses.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq executed 11 people convicted of terrorism charges on April 25, 2024.
• The executions were carried out by hanging at a prison in Nasiriyah.
• Amnesty International condemned the executions, citing lack of transparency and fairness.
• Iraq's anti-terrorism law allows capital punishment for terrorism group membership.
• Rights groups criticize Iraq's trials as hasty, with confessions allegedly obtained under torture.