Iraq
2026
- GOVERNMENT
- federal parliamentary democracy
- CONSTITUTION
- ratified on October 15, 2005 (currently under review by the Constitutional Committee and likely to be subject to a referendum in the future)
- LEGAL SYSTEM
- based on European civil law and Islamic law
- LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM
- Council of Representatives
- JUDICIAL SYSTEM
- according to the constitution, the federal judiciary includes the High Judicial Council, the Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Cassation, the Public Prosecutor's Department, the Judicial Oversight Commission, and other federal courts
RELIGIONS
97% Muslims; Christian and Hindu minorities
From the country
- NOVEMBER 7, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
VENEZUELA. CHAVEZ OPPOSES DEATH PENALTY IN SADDAM CASE AND OTHERS
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that he opposes the death penalty — whether for former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein or anyone else — but added that if any leader should be condemned for genocide, it is US President George W. Bush.
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
SADDAM. UN JUDICIAL EXPERT SLAMS SADDAM TRIAL, URGES INTERNATIONAL COURT
a U.N. rights expert urged Iraqi authorities not to carry out Saddam Hussein's death sentence and called for an international tribunal to either retry or handle the appeals process for Iraq's former dictator.
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
COUNCIL OF EUROPE OPPOSES DEATH PENALTY FOR HUSSEIN
the Council of Europe warned that it's futile and wrong to execute the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, as it could send a message that the new Iraq is to be built on vengeance
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006AustraliaDEATH PENALTY
AUSTRALIA WELCOMES SADDAM HUSSEIN'S DEATH SENTENCE
Australia welcomed a death sentence meted out to former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, saying that it is a sign of democratic hope for Iraq.
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
IRAQI PRESIDENT SAYS HE SIGNED PETITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that while he had once signed an international petition against the death penalty, his signature was not needed to carry out the death sentence against Saddam Hussein.
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006ItalyDEATH PENALTY
Italy urged Iraqi authorities not to execute Saddam Hussein...
Italy urged Iraqi authorities not to execute Saddam Hussein, saying it would be a mistake both ethically and politically.
- NOVEMBER 6, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
VATICAN CONDEMNS SADDAM SENTENCING
a senior Vatican official lamented the death penalty imposed on former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on November 5, suggesting it marked a vengeful "eye for an eye" mentality still gripping turmoil-torn Iraq.
- NOVEMBER 5, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
IRAQ. SADDAM AND TWO CO-DEFENDANTS SENTENCED TO HANG
Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging for crimes against humanity.
- NOVEMBER 5, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
EUROPEAN UNION. EU PRESIDENT FINLAND SAYS SADDAM SHOULD NOT HANG
the European Union urged Iraq not to carry out the death sentence passed on Iraq's former leader Saddam Hussein after his conviction for crimes against humanity.
- NOVEMBER 5, 2006IndiaDEATH PENALTY
INDIA REACTS GUARDEDLY TO SADDAM'S HANGING
India reacted guardedly to the hanging of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, saying the death sentence required the "credible due process of law."
- NOVEMBER 5, 2006IraqDEATH PENALTY
IRAQ. DEFENCE SAYS SADDAM VERDICT A MOCKERY OF JUSTICE
Saddam Hussein's defence team said his conviction for crimes against humanity and the death sentence passed on him were illegal and political.
- NOVEMBER 5, 2006IranDEATH PENALTY
IRAN SAYS EXECUTION THE “VERY LEAST” SADDAM DESERVES
Iran said a death sentence was the “very least” punishment that should be handed down to its one-time foe former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.