Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council orders tougher prosecution of electricity grid sabotage

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council held its sixth session on June 21, 2026, chaired by Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Cassation Faysal Zidan, and ordered investigation courts to treat theft and sabotage against the national electricity grid as a serious offense under Article 444/11 of the Iraqi Penal Code. The council reviewed a submission from the Ministry of Electricity addressing illegal use of the grid and acts of sabotage. It instructed that such violations be pursued as theft of public property and prosecuted accordingly. Attacks on ministry teams tasked with removing the violations were classified as crimes under Articles 229 and 230 of the same code. The session began with tributes to Court of Cassation member Hicab Ibrahim Ahmed and retired judge Barak Ibrahim Wasfi, both deceased. The council also approved promotions for a group of judges and confirmed appointments to several appellate presidency positions. The council said the violations should be contained by ensuring those responsible are held accountable, without elaborating on further enforcement measures. No additional details were immediately available.