Iraq Appoints New Federal Supreme Court Chief Amid Judicial Resignations

Iraq has appointed Judge Munther Ibrahim Hussein as the new head of the Federal Supreme Court following the retirement of former Chief Justice Jassim Mohammed Aboud al-Amiri due to health reasons. This change comes amid a significant judicial crisis marked by mass resignations of Federal Supreme Court judges protesting political interference and the court's handling of sensitive cases, including rulings related to the Kurdistan Region's stalled salary payments and the controversial Iraq-Kuwait maritime border treaty. The resignations, involving six permanent and three reserve judges, were reportedly in response to pressure from senior Iraqi leaders to influence court decisions, threatening the judiciary's independence. Judge Hussein’s appointment is seen as an attempt to restore judicial functionality and prevent a constitutional vacuum, especially crucial with upcoming parliamentary elections in November 2025. His elevation was confirmed by President Abdul Latif Rashid and welcomed by members of the judiciary who had previously sought retirement. The appointment reflects ongoing tensions between the judiciary and political branches over constitutional compliance and judicial impartiality.