Iraq Federal Court Sets July 1 Hearing in Challenge to Al-Zaydi Appointment

Iraq’s Supreme Federal Court has set the first hearing for July 1 in a challenge to the validity of Ali Zeydi’s appointment as prime minister, opening a political case that could test the legal basis of the nomination. Former MP Raid Maliki, who filed the lawsuit, said the official notice reached him by email and that he received the defense brief submitted by the acting representative of the president. The defense raised objections arguing that the plaintiff has no legal interest in the case and lacks standing. It also said the appointment did not come directly from the president, but from the largest parliamentary bloc. The acting presidential representative further argued that Zeydi has political experience, broad political ties and owns a satellite channel that broadcasts political developments. Maliki said he is determined to continue the case, will attend all hearings and will submit a new petition in response to the defense arguments.