Iraqi president says more than 14,000 death sentences piled up at his office

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi President Nizar Amidi said more than 14,000 accumulated death sentences have been pending at his office since he took over the presidency. Speaking at a session of the Eighth Baghdad Dialogue conference in the capital, Amidi said the files have come up at every meeting since he assumed the role. Amidi described the issue as a national and constitutional matter that does not belong to any specific sectarian or ethnic group. He said a committee was formed after he took office and a report was presented at three presidential meetings. Among those facing death sentences are Arab and foreign-national prisoners, according to Amidi, who said the cases have accumulated over many years. No further details on a timeline for action were immediately available.