Iraq's top judge and environment minister discuss accountability for environmental damage

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zidan, met on Tuesday with Environment Minister Soraya Abdulvahid to discuss legal mechanisms for holding first-tier state officials accountable for negligence that causes environmental harm. According to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council, the two sides also reviewed proposals to require polluters in both the public and private sectors to remediate contamination and compensate citizens for damages under existing laws. The meeting covered procedures for pursuing environmental damage cases through the courts, with a focus on strengthening judicial mechanisms against those responsible for environmental harm. The council said the talks aimed to align enforcement measures with current legislation governing pollution and compensation. Zidan congratulated Abdulvahid on assuming her new role. No further details on specific cases or timelines were immediately disclosed.