The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq warns that without rehabilitation programs, those released under the General Amnesty Law may revert to crime. The law, effective February 6, 2025, covers 57,280 detainees with drug-related offenses among others. Dr. Fadil Al-Gharawi stresses the need for rehabilitation to prevent recidivism and highlights the establishment of new rehabilitation centers. Additionally, legal texts concerning amnesty and property rights are facing scrutiny in the Iraqi Parliament.
The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq has raised alarms regarding individuals recently released from incarceration, suggesting they may struggle with reintegration and risk reverting to criminal activities, particularly if rehabilitation programs are not established prior to their release. This warning coincides with the Iraqi courts implementing the General Amnesty Law on February 6, 2025, which encompasses 57,280 detainees across various offenses.
Dr. Fadil Al-Gharawi, the head of the Human Rights Center, highlighted the challenges faced by those with prior criminal backgrounds in re-entering society without adequate rehabilitation. “This has been demonstrated in previous years when released prisoners would often return to crime after serving their sentences,” he noted. Despite the law’s intention to reform, he underscored that it alone cannot replace the necessity for comprehensive rehabilitation.
The amnesty law specifically pertains to individuals possessing less than 50 grams of illegal drugs and aims to prioritize the rehabilitation of minors involved in such cases. Al-Gharawi also mentioned recent modifications to Iraq’s anti-drug legislation, which initiated the establishment of 15 rehabilitation centers under the Ministry of Interior, alongside private sector alternatives.
The proposed approach mandates that all drug users engage in a rehabilitation program lasting between 6 to 10 months, which will include medical, health, and psychological oversight. Moreover, those who voluntarily disclose their addiction could have their drug-related charges dismissed in favor of rehabilitation opportunities. Dr. Al-Gharawi contends that these initiatives, paired with rehabilitation efforts tied to the amnesty law, will facilitate better reintegration into society and lessen the chances of recidivism.
On January 21, 2025, the Iraqi Parliament enacted several contentious laws, including amendments to the General Amnesty and Personal Status Laws, as well as a property return law for Kirkuk. Despite significant opposition from a faction of lawmakers who expressed concerns about the simultaneous approval of these laws, a petition was submitted to the Federal Supreme Court questioning the legitimacy of the vote.
Initially, the court issued a temporary suspension of these laws, but the Supreme Judicial Council subsequently ordered their implementation. Recently, the Federal Supreme Court lifted the temporary suspension, permitting the three disputed laws to go into effect.
In conclusion, the introduction of the General Amnesty Law aims to facilitate the reintegration of detainees, but the lack of rehabilitation services raises concerns about the potential for recidivism. Dr. Al-Gharawi emphasizes the importance of comprehensive programs to support individuals in overcoming their past behaviors. Meanwhile, the legislative developments surrounding the laws are causing tension within the Iraqi Parliament, marking a complex environment for justice and human rights in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
