Iraq parliament prepares first reading of international-crimes bill
A proposed law would create domestic offences for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, with death-penalty provisions for some acts.
A draft law that would criminalize genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes under Iraqi law has been sent to parliament for a first reading, according to a member of the Security and Defense Committee. The proposal would establish a more specific legal framework for prosecuting mass atrocities.
The draft also covers offences including enslavement, forced displacement, enforced disappearance and demographic change, the lawmaker said. It would provide for severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain mass-killing and targeting offences; the bill remains subject to parliamentary review and approval.
Original reporting: Rudaw English ↗