ISIS once controlled large areas of Iraq, leaving execution sites dotted across the country. AP
ISIS once controlled large areas of Iraq, leaving execution sites dotted across the country. AP
ISIS once controlled large areas of Iraq, leaving execution sites dotted across the country. AP
ISIS once controlled large areas of Iraq, leaving execution sites dotted across the country. AP

Iraq hangs 21 terrorists as battle against ISIS sleeper cells intensifies


Mina Aldroubi
  • English
  • Arabic

Iraq hanged 21 convicted terrorists and murderers as air raids on ISIS strongholds in Diyala province intensified on Tuesday.

Since 2018, Iraq has put hundreds of suspected terrorists on trial and conducted mass executions after victory was claimed over the extremists.

The hangings, carried out on Monday, took place at Nasiriyah prison in the south of Iraq, according to the interior ministry.

Nasiriyah is known for holding former officials of Saddam Hussein's regime, which was toppled by the 2003 US-led invasion.

Saddam was hanged in December 2006 for crimes against humanity.

The men hanged on Monday were convicted under a 2005 counter-terrorism law.

Authorities did not give details about the specific crimes, but the interior ministry said some of those executed were involved in two attacks that killed dozens of people in the northern town of Tal Afar.

The statement gave no detail about the identity of those executed.

Human rights groups accuse Iraq of inconsistencies in the judicial process and flawed trials leading to unfair convictions.

Amnesty International and other rights groups said Iraq's justice system is marred by corruption, with judges carrying out rushed trials involving circumstantial evidence.

They said the accused did not have a proper defence or access to lawyers.

Iraq said its trials are fair.

Dozens of foreign citizens suspected of belonging to ISIS have been tried by Iraqi courts. Of those, 11 French citizens and one Belgian were sentenced to death.

They are awaiting execution.

According to Amnesty, Iraq ranks fifth among countries that carry out death sentences.

In 2014, ISIS captured a third of Iraq, but a US-backed military campaign largely defeated the group in  Iraq and neighbouring Syria after a three-year battle.

The development came as Iraqi air forces attacked an ISIS headquarters in the Al Zour region on the northern Diyala River in Khanaqin.

Security forces in the province have retreated significantly over the past few weeks, amid calls for a major military campaign to disarm militias and combat ISIS sleeper cells.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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  • Mar 28, 2017 Lost to Australia 2-0 (away)
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“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”

“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”

“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”

“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”

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UPI facts

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Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Countries recognising Palestine

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