Halbousi Attacks Supreme Court, Calls for Mass Protests Over Amnesty Law Suspension

Peregraf 

Former Iraqi Parliament Speaker and leader of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, has strongly condemned the Federal Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the implementation of the general amnesty law, calling it a politicized move that undermines justice.

“We will confront and oppose this decision by all means, and we call for massive demonstrations that shake the foundations of injustice,” Halbousi declared. “We do not accept that the Federal Court be politicized and that legislation be disregarded. The general amnesty law was passed to provide justice to the innocent and oppressed, and we reject any attempt to allow terrorism to resurface.”

His remarks come after the Supreme Court on Tuesday halted three newly amended laws—on land restitution, general amnesty, and personal status—amid legal challenges. The suspension has ignited political tensions, particularly among Sunni lawmakers who had championed the amnesty law as a long-overdue correction to what they claim is the wrongful imprisonment of thousands of Sunnis under broad terrorism charges.

The court’s ruling has fueled outrage among Halbousi’s supporters, with calls for large-scale protests expected to escalate. The decision has also intensified divisions between Iraq’s political factions, as Kurdish, Sunni, and Shiite leaders stake out opposing positions on the suspended legislation.

As the crisis deepens, the Supreme Court’s intervention has set the stage for a broader showdown between the judiciary and Iraq’s political forces, raising concerns about potential unrest in the coming days.