Iraqi Bar Association launches protest over company registrar obstacles

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Bar Association has announced a series of escalation measures to protest persistent obstacles that hinder lawyers' work at the company registrar and other government offices. In a statement following its regular session No. 58 held on July 22, 2026, the association said problems faced by lawyers had remained unresolved despite correspondence with the Ministry of Trade. The association argued that procedures resulting in the withdrawal of lawyers' powers of attorney during company registration have pushed many lawyers out of work, and that the issue stems from bureaucratic obstacles rather than shortcomings in lawyers' performance. It also objected to requirements forcing companies to pay water and electricity bills as part of the registration process, saying the matter falls outside the registrar's mandate and that the budget law cited as legal basis has expired but continues to be applied. Under the decision, bar associations will hold a protest in front of the company registrar on Monday at 10 a.m. as the first organized step. If demands are not met, the action will turn into an open-ended sit-in, followed by a large-scale bar march with the participation of lawyers from across the country. The association said criminal complaints will also be filed simultaneously with investigative courts and competent judicial authorities.