Iraq court voids deal linked to Meysan al-Jubouri over Baghdad state properties

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Baghdad court has ruled against a legal action brought by former lawmaker Meysan al-Jubouri, invalidating a contract that had been used as the basis for seizing state-owned real estate valued at billions of dinars, according to former lawmaker Amir al-Muammeri. Al-Muammeri said the Dawri First Instance Court issued a final ruling rejecting al-Jubouri's case and annulling the agreement tied to the properties in the Dawri area of Baghdad. In its reasoning, the court confirmed that the State Real Estate Department's actions fell within the legal framework and were aimed at protecting public property and preventing encroachments. The decision noted that the land is registered in the name of the Ministry of Finance and administered by the State Real Estate Department, and that blocking the disposal was part of the department's obligation to safeguard public assets. The court also found that the plot lies within the Baghdad Municipality's main urban development plan and is designated for residential use and infrastructure, with no legitimate agricultural use that would entitle the plaintiff to compensation. It stressed that protecting state property and removing encroachments remains a priority to prevent the manipulation of public assets.