SOURCE: Iraq's Chief Justice still in office
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source clarified to Shafaq News that any resignation by al-Amiri would be officially announced, adding that no additional resignations have occurred beyond the nine judges who quit last week.
On June 19, six permanent and three alternate judges stepped down just hours before the court was set to issue rulings on two key cases: the suspension of public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region and the contested Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait.
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Rudaw Net
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- Rudaw Net
Iraq appoints new chief justice following judicial turmoil
Also in Iraq Makhmour camp residents warn of 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid blockade Sudani orders monitoring of water flow from Turkey Austrian ambassador praises President Barzani's role in Iraq Iraq reports 34 percent revenue decrease in four months A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan - Judge Munther Hussein was sworn in on Thursday as the new head of Iraq's highest judicial authority, the Federal Supreme Court, just days after his formal appointment by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. The move marks a significant step toward restoring stability within Iraq's top judicial body following a period of internal turmoil. Hussein took his constitutional oath before President Rashid, who reaffirmed 'full support for the success of the Federal Supreme Court in its constitutional tasks,' according to a statement from the Iraqi presidency. Rashid underscored the court's pivotal role in safeguarding Iraq's democratic process, ensuring the separation of powers, and maintaining judicial independence. In his remarks, Hussein pledged his 'commitment to the provisions of the [Iraqi] constitution and law,' emphasizing his determination to protect the court's independence and shield it from outside interference. Hussein previously served as deputy head of the Federal Court of Cassation and was a reserve member of the Federal Supreme Court. Rashid had on Monday formally appointed Hussein as the new head of the Federal Supreme Court following the retirement of former Chief Justice Jassim al-Umairi. Umairi's resignation - officially attributed to "health reasons" - followed a wave of resignations from within the Federal Supreme Court. In mid-June, six out of nine permanent members and three reserve members of the court stepped down, reportedly in direct protest against Umairi's leadership. Speaking to Rudaw on condition of anonymity, one of the resigned judges stated in mid-June, 'The behavior of the court president [Umairi] is unacceptable to us, and we are tired of dealing with his working manners.' However, following the appointment of Hussein, the resigned judges rescinded their retirement requests. According to INA, they stated that 'the reasons that led them to request retirement have been addressed.' The judges congratulated Hussein on his appointment and highlighted the importance of establishing 'sound judicial work mechanisms' and adhering strictly to constitutional jurisdiction. They also stressed the need to 'preserve the independence and neutrality of the judiciary and refrain from any behavior or practice that would compromise it.' Importantly, these developments come ahead of a highly anticipated legal session concerning the Kurdistan Region. Since early June, public servants in the Region have been urging the court to issue an injunction that would compel the federal government to resume salary disbursements, which have been suspended since late May. Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad escalated after the federal finance ministry halted all budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including the salaries of more than 1.2 million public employees. The ministry claimed the freeze was due to the KRG exceeding its allocated 12.67 percent share of the 2025 federal budget. Kurdish political parties have widely condemned the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. President Rashid's swift endorsement of Judge Hussein may be seen as an attempt to stabilize the Federal Supreme Court at a time of mounting legal and constitutional challenges - including the urgent issue of public servant salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
Shafaq News
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Three gunmen kidnap Kurdish farmer in Kirkuk
Shafaq News – Kirkuk On Thursday, three unidentified gunmen abducted a Kurdish farmer in Kirkuk, one of Iraq's most contested and diverse provinces. A security source told Shafaq News that the assailants, traveling in a civilian vehicle, seized the farmer while he was working near Altun Kupri, north of Kirkuk, and transported him to an undisclosed location. Security forces have launched a search operation to locate the kidnappers and secure the farmer's release, the source noted, without providing further details. Kirkuk, claimed by both Baghdad and the Kurdish governments, has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and political tensions. Its 1.9 million residents include Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians, all vying for influence over its oil-rich territory. On Wednesday, Turkmen Front leader Mohammad Samaan Agha called for fair ethnic representation in Kirkuk's security and administrative institutions to preserve its diversity and promote genuine power-sharing.
Shafaq News
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Khamenei's representative to Shafaq News: No retreat from supporting resistance factions
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