Iraq Justice Ministry says 138 children released in August

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Justice said 138 children were released in August 2026, according to a monthly report by the Child Rehabilitation Department. The ministry said 79 of the children were discharged while their cases were still pending, while 36 were released after completing their prison sentences. A ministry statement said 22 children were granted conditional release after finishing approved rehabilitation courses and demonstrating good conduct, and one child was freed following an appeals court ruling. The ministry added that conditional release decisions were issued based on recommendations from social research units and approval from the relevant judicial authorities. It said the department continues to review cases within a legal and humanitarian framework, and stressed that adherence to legal procedures in release processes supports rehabilitation and reintegration goals.