Iraq's Top Judge in Damascus to Discuss ISIS Detainees, Judicial Cooperation

Faiq Zidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, visited Damascus to deepen judicial cooperation with Syria, with a significant portion of the discussions centered on Syrian detainees transferred to Iraqi prisons from the al-Hol camp. Zidan met with Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais and Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, an adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

“

The visit opened broad prospects for judicial and legal cooperation between the two countries and included talks on detainees transferred from al-Hol camp.

According to Judge Laith Jabr, head of Iraq’s Judicial Supervision Authority, the visit aimed to open broad prospects for judicial and legal collaboration. The talks specifically addressed the legal standing of Syrian detainees handed over to Iraq, with Jabr assuring that Iraqi authorities have conducted judicial investigations and provided all legal guarantees under Iraqi law. To facilitate ongoing cooperation, both sides agreed to establish joint judicial committees that will convene regularly to resolve issues related to the detainees' trials.

The discussions also encompassed strengthening judicial coordination, expanding the exchange of information and expertise, and preparing for future memorandums of understanding. Sources close to the visit indicated that Zidan was also expected to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and engage in separate discussions with other Syrian officials on topics including ISIS members detained in Iraq, transitional justice, anti-corruption efforts, and transparency. Iraq and Syria are reportedly nearing a joint agreement to govern the transfer and prosecution of Syrian detainees held by Iraqi authorities.

“

Syria hoped the progress already made in economic and security relations would help drive closer judicial and legal coordination and strengthen ties between the two countries’ justice institutions.

Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais expressed hope that progress in economic and security relations would spur closer judicial and legal coordination. He emphasized Syria's commitment to balanced relations with its neighbors, based on mutual respect and shared interests, noting that historical ties and mutual interests provide a strong foundation for expanded cooperation with Iraq. Al-Wais also highlighted Syria's current focus on building a state governed by the rule of law and strengthening national unity, supported by a judicial reform program aimed at enhancing independence, integrity, and efficiency within the justice system.

“

Damascus was committed to balanced and positive relations with its neighbors based on mutual respect and shared interests.