DUBAI, UAE - State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki on Saturday said that there are efforts to dissolve Iraq’s Accountability and Justice Commission and release imprisoned terrorists.

Speaking in Karbala, Maliki cautioned against attempts to circumvent the political process and destabilize the country.

“There are those who want to ignite sedition, and if it happens, God forbid, it will destroy everything,” he said. “What happened in Syria is clear evidence.”

Maliki accused remnants of the ISIS and the dissolved Baath Party, along with others pursuing hidden agendas, of attempting to undermine Iraq’s stability.

“There are pressures to abolish the Accountability and Justice Law and to release terrorists,” he said. “We will not allow this to happen.”

Despite security challenges, Maliki insisted Iraq remains a stable democracy but warned of vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

“Baathists and sectarian forces are moving while security agencies are unaware,” he said. “But as long as we are here and weapons remain in our hands, they will regret it.”

Iraq’s 2025 General Amnesty Law

The Iraqi Parliament voted last month to approve three major pieces of legislation, including Iraq’s 2025 General Amnesty Law.

Lawmakers approved the second amendment to Iraq’s 2025 General Amnesty Law, aimed at promoting reconciliation and providing second chances for individuals convicted of certain offenses. 

The legislation was a key demand of Sunni factions when they agreed to join Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s government.

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani at the time said in a statement that the law underscores the values of tolerance and unity, emphasizing the need to “close painful chapters of the past and extend a hand of peace and hope for a brighter future.”

Mashhadani praised lawmakers and political groups for their efforts in passing the amendment, calling it “a decisive step toward strengthening trust and national unity.”

The General Amnesty Law has been a contentious issue in Iraq, with multiple previous attempts to pass it failing due to political disagreements, mainly from Shiite parties, including Maliki’s.

However, after years of debate, parliament successfully ratified the amendment in a move expected to have significant political and social implications.