Iraq releases 189 child detainees in July, justice ministry says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Child Rehabilitation Department, part of the Ministry of Justice, said 189 children were released from detention during July 2026. Of those released, 108 had been held in pretrial detention, 41 completed their prison sentences, and 37 became eligible for conditional release after successfully finishing rehabilitation programs. The department said the conditional releases were granted based on recommendations from Social Research Units and approval from the relevant judicial authorities. Two additional children were freed under a general amnesty, and one child was released following an appeals court decision. The ministry said the July releases were carried out in line with judicial rulings and assessments from social research units. No further details were immediately available on the broader status of child detainees in Iraq's prison system.