Iraq Prepares to Trial Thousands of ISIS Suspects Following Extensive Interrogations

Iraq has concluded the interrogation phase for thousands of ISIS suspects transferred from Syria, setting the stage for major terrorism trials, according to the Supreme Judicial Council.

The First Karkh Investigation Court, which specializes in terrorism cases, finalized the process for 5,704 suspects, moving their cases forward to trial courts based on collected evidence. The extensive judicial review identified 67 nationalities among the detainees, consisting of 16 Arab, 19 European, 32 other nationalities, alongside 474 Iraqis and 3,497 Syrians.

Authorities identified several highly dangerous elements who held leadership, security, religious, military, or media roles within ISIS, as well as individuals linked to international crimes. Forensic procedures by the Interior Ministry’s Criminal Evidence Directorate recorded biometric data, including fingerprints, iris scans, DNA samples, and palm prints.

While thousands face trial, the investigations also resulted in several releases due to insufficient evidence. A Finnish detainee and an American detainee were handed over to their respective authorities, alongside seven Iraqi detainees and procedures for releasing 457 Syrian detainees. Furthermore, investigations uncovered information regarding serious international crimes against the Yazidi community, identifying six defendants linked to the enslavement and sale of Yazidi women.

To manage the high-security proceedings safely, a remote courtroom equipped with closed-circuit television and direct video links has been prepared for high-risk defendants.