Supreme Judicial Council Issues Strict Directives to Courts Regarding Accelerating Financial and Administrative Corruption Cases

The Supreme Judicial Council in Iraq issued today strict directives to all primary, appellate, and investigative courts in Baghdad and the governorates, requiring the acceleration of cases related to financial and administrative corruption. The President of the Supreme Judicial Council said in an official circular that these directives come within the framework of implementing the judiciary's strategy to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. He added that courts are called upon to hold continuous sessions for corruption cases without delay, while observing the guarantees of fair trial for the accused. The directives also included assigning the Investigation and Public Prosecution Authority to intensify investigative efforts in referred cases and submit periodic reports to the Judicial Council. The source revealed that the directives stipulated the formation of specialized judicial chambers in each appellate court to consider major corruption cases. This measure comes amid increasing popular pressure demanding accountability for corrupt individuals and recovery of looted funds. Civil society organizations welcomed this step, but warned that success requires protecting judges from political interference and external pressures. Citizens hope that these measures will contribute to reducing litigation time and achieving expedited justice in a file that is considered one of the most prominent issues occupying Iraqi public opinion.