Iraq's Federal Supreme Court ousts Iraqi Parliament speaker al-Halbousi

He had earlier been involved in a legal battle with a Sunni lawmaker who accused him of forging his signature.

Kurdistan 24 2023/11/14 16:27

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. (Photo: Nabil al-Jurani/AP)

Iraq Mohammed al-Halbousi Iraqi Parliament Iraqs Federal Supreme Court

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq's Federal Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled to terminate the parliament membership of Iraqi Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Al-Halbousi was ousted over forgery charges and corruption. He had earlier been involved in a legal battle with a Sunni lawmaker who accused him of forging his signature.

Al-Halbousi is also the leader of the Progress Party. Moreover, he was appointed governor by the Anbar provincial council on Aug. 29, 2017, serving in the role before his ascendancy to parliament.

Al-Halbousi responded on Tuesday to the Federal Supreme Court’s decision by saying the decision was surprising.

"Some parties are trying to divide Iraqi social structures," he said.

The speaker further noted that the Court does not respect the country’s Constitution.

"We don't know where these decisions come from," Halbousi added. He lastly stressed that legal measures should be taken to protect constitutional articles.

Updated at 6:12 p.m. (GMT +3) to include al-Halbousi's response to the Court's decision.