Recent reports have emerged concerning alleged mass executions at Nasiriyah’s Al-Hout prison in Iraq, raising significant human rights concerns. Despite denials from the Iraqi Presidency and Justice Ministry, rights groups claim that the government orchestrated one of the largest waves of executions since the 2003 US-led invasion.
According to AFAD, prison authorities conducted four waves of executions in September, with the largest occurring on September 24, resulting in 21 prisoners being hanged at dawn. The executions were allegedly carried out without allowing prisoners to write wills or contact their families. Bodies were returned to families the next day, with fees reportedly requested for death certificates.
Amidst claims that executions may be politically motivated, prominent figures like Sunni politician Sheikh Thaer al-Bayati and Jamal al-Dari have condemned the executions and called for a delay in further executions until the General Amnesty Law is fully enacted. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also criticized Iraq’s judicial system, emphasizing concerns over torture, coerced confessions, and lack of transparency.
The Ministry of Justice dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while the AFAD Observatory stands by its reports, highlighting ongoing delays in implementing the General Amnesty Law and unjust executions carried out under pressure from political factions. The situation remains complex, with calls for more transparency and respect for human rights in Iraq’s justice system.