Iraq releases over 19,000 prisoners under new amnesty law

BAGHDAD,— Iraq has released more than 19,000 prisoners in the first four months of 2025 under a wide-ranging amnesty law aimed at easing prison overcrowding and providing relief to individuals convicted of certain terrorism-related charges, judicial officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The law, passed earlier in 2025, allows some individuals convicted of affiliation with the Islamic State group to be freed, though it excludes anyone found guilty of killings tied to terrorism. Other offenses covered include corruption, theft, and drug-related crimes.

The data was shared following a high-level judicial meeting in Baghdad, chaired by Faeq Zeidan, head of the Supreme Judicial Council, to assess the rollout of the amnesty measure.

According to an official statement, 19,381 prisoners were released between January and April. When including others who benefited under different legal conditions—such as those sentenced in absentia, released on bail, or with pending arrest warrants—the total number of beneficiaries reached 93,597.

Iraq’s Justice Ministry earlier reported that the nation’s 31 correctional facilities are operating at double their intended capacity, holding approximately 65,000 inmates.

Many detainees still remain in the custody of security forces, awaiting transfer due to the lack of available space.

The law also includes provisions allowing retrials for those convicted of terrorism who claim their confessions were obtained under coercion or mistreatment.

The legislation received strong backing from Sunni representatives in parliament, who argue that anti-terrorism laws have disproportionately affected their communities.

Human rights advocates have previously criticized Iraq’s judicial practices, particularly in relation to the death penalty and mass executions.

Since the amnesty law came into effect in January, all executions have been paused, officials confirmed.

Thousands of detainees in Iraqi custody remain linked to the Islamic State group, which lost its hold in Iraq in 2017. Several former members have already faced execution for crimes committed during the group’s territorial control.

(With files from AP)