Iraq Court Annuls Traffic Monitoring Contract, Directorate Clarifies

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Traffic Directorate confirmed Saturday that the Federal Court of Cassation annulled a contract for road monitoring and traffic fine systems, with officials insisting current operations remain lawful under the ruling. Directorate chief Lieutenant General Adil Samir told reporters in Baghdad that the invalidated agreement was signed in 2018 between the Martyrs' Police Fund and a company, predating the court's 2025 decision. Samir said no payments were transferred from the fund to the directorate and that traffic cameras in use were donated to the Interior Ministry rather than acquired through a separate contract. The court ruled the contract invalid and prohibited the collection of fees from citizens outside the legal framework. Samir emphasized the directorate continues operating within its legal mandate with judicial backing. Samir said the ruling does not affect current traffic camera operations, which the directorate maintains are compliant with the court decision. No further details were immediately available.