Kurdish Judge withdraws in protest against Federal Supreme Court

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Abdulrahman Sulaiman, one of the two Kurdish judges of the Federal Court, announced his withdrawal from the court during a press conference on Tuesday. He cited dissatisfaction with recent decisions by the Federal Supreme Court against the Kurdistan Regional Government as the primary reason for his protest.

Judge Sulaiman emphasized that the Federal Supreme Court's decisions were against the interests of the Kurdistan Region, hindering his ability to safeguard its people and constitutional institutions.

Expressing disappointment, he stated, "I have worked as a representative of the Kurdistan Region in the Federal Court for the past three years, hoping to be a strong defender within the framework of the Iraqi constitution. Regrettably, I was not allowed to fulfill that purpose."

Judge Abdulrahman Sulaiman outlined the following reasons for his withdrawal:

1. He observed a trend in successive decisions of the Court favoring a centralized decision-making system over the principles of the federal system.

2. Constitutional courts, in federal systems, are meant to protect and consolidate the federal structure, maintaining a balance between federal and regional powers. However, Judge Sulaiman noted a deviation from this purpose, contrary to the Constitution's intent.

3. Despite the flexibility of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution for amendments to protect constitutional principles and the rights of all parties and communities, Judge Sulaiman pointed out instances where the opposite occurred, undermining these principles and rights.