Shafaq News/ Iraq’s long-debated General Amnesty Law is once again at the center of political tension, with deep divisions over its provisions threatening to delay its passage.
Amid ongoing disputes over proposed amendments and the controversial use of the "basket system" to pass multiple laws, the GAL remains a key demand as part of the broader political reconciliation process, despite other parties' pushback, citing concerns over security and national unity.
Sunni Demand for Amnesty Law
The General Amnesty Law remains a key demand of Sunni blocs in Iraq, which insisted on its passage during negotiations to form the State Administration Coalition. This coalition, composed of the Shiite Coordination Framework, Kurdish, and Sunni blocs, ultimately led to the formation of a new government headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Despite the prior political agreement, the GAL has faced uncertainty since the formation of al-Sudani's government.
Analysts believe there is "political will," particularly from the Coordination Framework, to obstruct the law’s passage.
Iraq’s parliament completed its report and held a second reading of the amendments to the GAL on September 16. However, it has repeatedly failed to convene sessions to vote on the matter over the past few months, most recently on December 3, following several unsuccessful attempts.
While GAL remains a pivotal demand of Sunni blocs, its passage is complicated by the contentious nature of proposed amendments.
Proposed Amendments Spark Debate
First introduced in 2008 as part of Sunni efforts to achieve "national reconciliation," Iraq’s General Amnesty Law has undergone significant revisions over the years. The latest proposed amendments aim to strike a balance between political integration and national security, but deep divisions remain.
The proposed amendments exclude those convicted of terrorism and serious crimes, a move seen as a compromise. Shiite leaders emphasize the importance of "national security," while Sunni representatives view the law as vital for "peace and political balance."
Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi explained that the new amendments to Law No. 27 of 2016 broaden its scope. "Even previously excluded cases will now be eligible. Those who have served one-third of their sentence can pay 10,000 dinars (about $8) for each remaining day and be released," Al-Tamimi told Shafaq News Agency.
The amendments also include conditions such as the complainant or victim's family waiving their rights in court and full repayment for those convicted of financial or administrative corruption. In tribal disputes, formal agreements endorsed by tribal committees are now mandatory, Al-Tamimi added.
Serious crimes such as human trafficking, possession of silencers, kidnapping leading to death, and drug trafficking are excluded. However, offenders who have served one-third of their sentence may also opt for release by paying the daily fee, Al-Tamimi noted.
In addition, he highlighted provisions allowing retrials for individuals coerced into confessions through torture or secret informants. “The law distinguishes between drug possession (for amounts under 50 grams) and trafficking, with offenders qualifying for amnesty under specific conditions.”
According to legal expert Jamal al-Asadi, the revised law includes 74 crimes, such as non-lethal terrorism and attacks on foreign forces, within its scope.
While the amendments aim to address security concerns, they have deepened political divisions, particularly over provisions related to terrorism and corruption.
State of Law Opposes, Taqaddum Insists
Firas al-Muslmawi, a member of the State of Law bloc, said lawmakers have "raised several concerns about the draft law, including the need to involve the public prosecution office in the central committee amending the legislation."
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Al-Muslmawi criticized provisions allowing corrupt individuals to secure release by returning stolen funds to the state treasury. "This clause must be removed entirely," he insisted.
He also rejected leniency in cases of kidnapping, calling for all individuals involved in such crimes to be excluded from amnesty without exceptions.
Suhad al-Maliki, another State of Law MP, confirmed that her bloc, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, boycotted the December 3 parliamentary session to block the law.
"Some provisions related to terrorism remain unchanged, despite demands for revisions," she told Shafaq News, pointing out that the bloc is unwilling to compromise on amnesty in exchange for passing other laws, such as Personal Status legislation, which she described as non-contentious.
In contrast, Taqaddum National Alliance MP Mohammed Qutaiba al-Bayati explained that the disagreement centers on two provisions: “testimony by accused witnesses and reliance on secret informants. Sunni blocs demand retrials for these cases, leaving the judiciary to decide, but Shi’ite blocs have rejected this," he told Shafaq News.
With no consensus on these contentious clauses, the December 3 session was adjourned, further delaying a final vote.
These ongoing disagreements have been exacerbated by the controversial “basket system” used to bundle contentious laws, further complicating efforts to pass the General Amnesty Law.
Disputes Over "Basket System" Persist
Political analyst Saif al-Saadi argued that this approach is unlikely to succeed. "The basket system for passing three contentious laws has repeatedly failed in past sessions," al-Saadi told Shafaq News.
However, he stressed that the General Amnesty Law should be treated differently. "This law affects all groups in society, irrespective of sect or ethnicity, and should be separated from the basket system," he added.
In Iraq’s political framework, major legislation often requires agreement among the Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs to ensure a balance of interests. Currently, three laws are at the center of debate: amendments to the Personal Status Law, a priority for the Shiite Coordination Framework; the Property Restitution Law, championed by Kurdish blocs; and the General Amnesty Law, a key demand of Sunni factions.
Despite efforts to achieve consensus, the intertwined nature of these laws continues to delay their passage, with no clear resolution in sight.
[via WiserNow] we heard this...from one of our Iraqi sources, that President Trump called President Sudani of Iraq, and congratulated him on the completion of the financial reform in Iraq...
Financial reforms included the old HCL, the hydrocarbon law, the oil and gas law, because citizens of Iraq are getting a percentage of the profits of oil exploration throughout Iraq...
My understanding is that now they're settling up and paying out citizens on the oil and gas law, the HCL hydrocarbon law, and they're paying in newly revalued dinar...
Baghdad and Erbil establish a Supreme Council to unite industries
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Baghdad and Erbil decided to establish a Supreme Council between the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (K-FCCI) and the Iraqi Federation of Industries (IFI,) ahead of the unification of industries.
This came during a press conference in Baghdad to establish a coordination framework between the two federations, attended by the FCCI heads in Erbil, Al-Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja, the IFI head, and several members and directors.
Gilan Haji Said, FCCI head in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, stated, "Following previous meetings and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the K-FCCI and IFI, the joint committees have completed their work and submitted their recommendations to the federations."
Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasizes Iraq’s cooperation with the U.S. to combat terrorism, strengthen economic ties, and implement significant financial reforms.
Highlights
🤝 U.S.-Iraq cooperation in combating terrorism is vital.
💰 Focus on building strong economic partnerships beyond military aspects.
📅 Budget amendments indicate sensitivity around economic reforms.
🔄 Financial transfers are crucial for both internal and external stability.
🌍 International support is key for Iraq’s economic reforms.
⚡ Continued electricity imports from Iran highlight regional dynamics.
📈 Citizens will soon realize the benefits of economic reforms.
Key Insights
🤔 Strategic Partnerships: The emphasis on U.S.-Iraq cooperation highlights the importance of international alliances in stabilizing Iraq and combating terrorism, which could lead to long-term security benefits.
💡 Economic Transformation: Al-Sudani’s push for economic partnerships indicates a shift from military dependence to economic growth, potentially fostering a more sustainable future for Iraq.
📊 Budget Sensitivity: The back-and-forth on budget amendments suggests that economic reforms are delicate and may have significant implications for the country’s financial landscape.
🔍
Financial Transparency: The government’s focus on correct standards for financial transfers indicates a commitment to transparency, which may enhance international trust and investment.
⚠️ Regional Tensions: The ongoing electricity imports from Iran reflect Iraq’s complex regional relationships, highlighting the need for stable energy sources while managing external influences.
🚀 Citizen Impact: Citizens will begin to see the immediate benefits of reforms, which could bolster public support for the government and its initiatives.
🏦 Global Financial Engagement: Al-Sudani’s outreach to international financial institutions underscores Iraq’s intent to engage with global standards, potentially leading to improved economic conditions and development.
