He named “Judge Jassim Jaza Jaafar, Judge Jassim Mohammed Mustafa, and Judge Tahir Ali Hassan as members of the Kurdistan Region Court of Appeal. Following their swearing-in ceremony, the president extended his congratulations to the judges and expressed his unwavering support for the independence of the judiciary,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
Barzani “emphasized the crucial role of the courts in upholding justice and gaining the confidence and trust of citizens,” added the statement.
The judges had been nominated by the Kurdistan Region Judicial Council, according to the statement.
Barzani in August said that the judiciary is facing “serious” challenges and acknowledged it is under political pressure.
“We have definitely not said and will not say that freedom of the judiciary and the rule of law in the Kurdistan Region do not face any problems. We do not say that everything about the judiciary authority is fine and it is not under political pressure,” he said during an event with 60 new judges and deputy prosecutors.
“The judicial authority is facing serious issues and challenges that need to be addressed and reformed. However, what matters is that I assure you that we have a serious willingness and determination and we constantly endeavour to address them. You can also gradually get rid of the issues,” he added.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was criticised locally and internationally for the detention of protesters in Duhok in 2020 and the arrest and prosecution of journalists and activists, with some questioning the independence of the courts. Barzani used his presidential powers to reduce some of the prison sentences that were handed down.
