Iraqi Federal Court Ousts Parliament Speaker and Lawmaker Amid Legal Dispute

Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the termination of Mohammed al-Halbousi’s tenure as parliament speaker and Laith al-Dulaimi’s membership in the legislative body. This decision follows a protracted legal battle and mutual accusations between the two prominent Sunni lawmakers.

During a session broadcasted by local media, Jassim al-Omairi, president of the federal court, announced the court’s determination. The ruling, effective from November 14, 2023, cited illegal practices and procedural violations as the basis for this unprecedented action.

The dispute reached a climax following al-Dulaimi’s accusation of al-Halbousi for forging his signature on a resignation letter. This accusation led to several court sessions, culminating in the court’s decisive verdict.

Reacting to the verdict, al-Halbousi expressed his surprise and concern about the stability of Iraq. Shortly after, the Taqaddum Party, led by al-Halbousi, responded by withdrawing their ministers from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s government and announcing a boycott of parliamentary sessions.

This ruling comes against the backdrop of Iraq’s power-sharing system established post-2003, mandating specific roles for Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites in key governmental positions.

Al-Halbousi, who was re-elected as parliament speaker on January 9, 2022, had first assumed the position in September 2018. The Iraqi parliament’s internal regulations stipulate that in the event of a vacancy in the speaker’s post, a successor must be elected by an absolute majority, respecting the political balance among the blocs.