Iraq moves to fill top court vacancies after mass resignations
On Thursday, Iraqi political forces launched efforts to resolve the leadership crisis within the Federal Supreme Court following the recent mass resignation.
A source told Shafaq News that a preliminary agreement has been reached to delay the selection of a new chief justice and the replacement of six judges over the controversial Khor Abdullah maritime ruling.
'It was agreed to relieve the chief justice from leadership duties while retaining him as a member, paving the way for nominating new candidates for the presidency and membership of the court,' the source revealed.
The Federal Supreme Court plays a critical role in Iraq's democratic process, including certifying national election results. 'If the court crisis persists, it may delay elections altogether,' the source warned, noting that the new appointments are expected to come from the head of the Supreme Judicial Council and other legal authorities.
Efforts are underway to hold a quorum-complete meeting of the State Administration Coalition in the coming weeks to finalize the appointments, he noted.
Meanwhile, the head of parliament's Legal Committee, Rebwar Hadi Abdulrahman, clarified to Shafaq News that the process of appointing a new court president and members does not require a parliamentary vote.
Under Article 3, the court comprises a president, a deputy, and seven full members selected from senior-ranking judges with no less than 15 years of experience. It also includes four reserve members, similarly qualified. Once candidates are selected, their names are forwarded to the President of the Republic, who must issue a formal decree within 15 days.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Sanctions link: France demands release of nationals from Iran
Shafaq News – Paris/Tehran On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot vowed that any move to reimpose international sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program will be tied to the release of two French citizens detained in Tehran. 'The release of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris is an absolute priority for us,' Barrot stated, revealing that a French diplomat has visited Kohler and Paris in an Iranian prison after weeks without contact following an Israeli strike near Evin prison. Kohler, 40, and her partner, Jacques Paris, now in his seventies, were arrested in May 2022 on the final day of their visit to Iran. They have since been accused of espionage for Israel's Mossad, conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and 'corruption on earth'—a serious charge under Iranian law. Kohler's sister confirmed that the couple appeared before a judge who upheld the three charges. In May, France brought a case against Iran before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Tehran of violating consular rights in the detention of both French nationals.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Ethiopia completes Nile Dam, invites Egypt to inauguration
Shafaq News – Addis Ababa Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Thursday the completion of work on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a multi-billion-dollar hydropower project on the Nile River that has long fueled tensions with downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan. Speaking before Ethiopia's parliament, Abiy declared, 'The work is now completed, and we are preparing for the official inauguration.' He addressed Egypt and Sudan directly, saying, 'To our neighbors downstream, our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat but a shared opportunity.' Abiy also extended a formal invitation to Egypt to attend the inauguration ceremony planned for September, once the rainy season concludes, presenting the dam as a platform for regional cooperation rather than confrontation. Located in the northwest of the country, around 30 kilometers from the Sudanese border, the $4.2 billion dam stretches 1.8 kilometers in length and stands 145 meters tall. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to hold 74 billion cubic meters of water and generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity. Before the Ethiopian announcement, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo's firm stance, stating the country 'will not allow, under any circumstances, any infringement on this existential matter or Egypt's historic share of Nile waters.' In remarks cited by Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm during a televised interview, Abdelatty stressed that Egypt reserves the right to defend itself and its water interests if they come under threat. He noted that Egypt's annual water needs exceed 90 billion cubic meters, while its share of Nile water amounts to just 55.5 billion cubic meters. Both Egypt and Sudan have repeatedly objected to Ethiopia's unilateral filling and operation of the dam, demanding a legally binding tripartite agreement on its management before further steps are taken.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Gaza ceasefire push: New US-backed proposal details emerge
Shafaq News – Washington/Gaza Details are emerging on the new US-backed ceasefire proposal for Hamas, as Washington and Tel Aviv push to end the fighting in Gaza. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Israel had accepted a framework for a 60-day truce, with final terms to be conveyed through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. 'I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,' Trump wrote. Hamas responded that it is reviewing the proposal 'with high responsibility,' demanding guarantees of a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to hostilities, and immediate humanitarian access. The group is reportedly expected to submit its official response to mediators on Friday. Key elements of the US framework According to leaks cited by media outlets quoting an Egyptian official, the plan revolves around a 60-day ceasefire personally guaranteed by Trump, structured around a phased exchange of 10 live Israeli captives and 18 bodies: - Day 1: release of 8 live captives; - Day 7: transfer of 5 bodies; - Day 30: transfer of 5 bodies; - Day 50: release of 2 live captives; - Day 60: transfer of 8 bodies. Exchanges would happen quietly, without public celebrations, while humanitarian aid would enter Gaza under UN and Red Crescent oversight, consistent with the January 19 agreement. After the initial release of eight captives, Israeli forces would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza according to agreed maps, with further pullbacks from southern Gaza on day seven under similar terms. Technical teams would finalize withdrawal boundaries in follow-up discussions. Toward a permanent ceasefire The 60-day ceasefire would also allow negotiators to address four priorities: completing prisoner swaps, setting Gaza's long-term security arrangements, coordinating reconstruction, and finalizing a permanent ceasefire. By day ten, Hamas would provide a full list and medical reports on remaining Israeli captives, while Israel would present data on Palestinians detained since October 7, 2023. Trump's guarantees anchor the deal, with Egypt, Qatar, and the US monitoring progress and potentially extending the truce if negotiations move forward. US envoy Steve Witkoff would coordinate talks on the ground. Axios earlier cited a senior Israeli official confirming that Washington had told both sides the ceasefire could be extended beyond 60 days if genuine progress toward a final settlement emerged.
