ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s Interior Ministry announced Monday it has dismissed thousands of offenders from its ranks and referred tens of thousands of cases to the judiciary, as part of efforts to protect and support professionals such as doctors, journalists, lawyers, and educators.

“The protection and support of professional groups are priorities for the ministry,” spokesperson Muqdad al-Mousawi told Iraqi state media. He noted that the Supreme Judicial Council and the minister of the interior have issued strict directives to safeguard these key sectors.

Offenders targeting these groups have been "arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced under Articles 229 and 230 of Iraqi law", which criminalize attacks on professionals, Mousawi said.

Over the past two years, the ministry has intensified inspection procedures through its Administrative and Professional Inspection Authority and its Internal Affairs Directorate, he added.

In 2023, the ministry referred approximately 35,000 cases to the Internal Security Forces courts, resulting in about 27,000 rulings and the dismissal of 2,129 personnel.

In 2024, the ministry dismissed 4,060 offenders and referred 15,000 cases to the courts, which issued 12,000 rulings.

“These numbers reflect our ongoing commitment to enforcing accountability and ensuring justice,” Mousawi said.