Judge Zidan: NCIJC will be the gateway to cooperation with all countries

Baghdad - INA

The President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zidan, affirmed today, Thursday, that the National Center for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) will serve as a key gateway for judicial collaboration with all countries. He emphasized that judicial cooperation is not merely an option but a necessity, given the persistent challenges facing the global community.

In his speech during the inaugural ceremony of the NCIJC, attended by representatives of various diplomatic missions in Iraq and reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Zidan stated: "The National Center for International Judicial Cooperation has already begun addressing urgent humanitarian issues, particularly those that have deeply affected the Yazidi community. This center was established in line with the vision of the Supreme Judicial Council to foster judicial partnerships that strengthen international cooperation, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights and dignity."

He further highlighted that the center will facilitate direct cooperation with countries worldwide, enabling the exchange of expertise and active participation in combating organized crime, terrorism, and its financial networks. "Collaboration is not a choice but a necessity," he stressed. "Ongoing challenges demand collective action to confront terrorism, extremism, violence, drug trafficking, and other crimes that threaten security and stability in our nations."

The Supreme Judicial Council officially inaugurated the NCIJC on December 29, 2024, following the conclusion of the International Investigation Team’s (UNITAD) mandate. The center was established to continue gathering evidence and prosecuting individuals responsible for terrorist crimes, ensuring accountability and justice.