Iraq appoints new chief justice following judicial turmoil

ERBIL, Kurdistan - Judge Munther Hussein was sworn in on Thursday as the new head of Iraq’s highest judicial authority, the Federal Supreme Court, just days after his formal appointment by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. The move marks a significant step toward restoring stability within Iraq’s top judicial body following a period of internal turmoil.

Hussein took his constitutional oath before President Rashid, who reaffirmed “full support for the success of the Federal Supreme Court in its constitutional tasks,” according to a statement from the Iraqi presidency. Rashid underscored the court’s pivotal role in safeguarding Iraq’s democratic process, ensuring the separation of powers, and maintaining judicial independence.

In his remarks, Hussein pledged his “commitment to the provisions of the [Iraqi] constitution and law,” emphasizing his determination to protect the court’s independence and shield it from outside interference.

Hussein previously served as deputy head of the Federal Court of Cassation and was a reserve member of the Federal Supreme Court.

Rashid had on Monday formally appointed Hussein as the new head of the Federal Supreme Court following the retirement of former Chief Justice Jassim al-Umairi.

Umairi's resignation - officially attributed to "health reasons" - followed a wave of resignations from within the Federal Supreme Court. In mid-June, six out of nine permanent members and three reserve members of the court stepped down, reportedly in direct protest against Umairi’s leadership.

Speaking to Rudaw on condition of anonymity, one of the resigned judges stated in mid-June, “The behavior of the court president [Umairi] is unacceptable to us, and we are tired of dealing with his working manners.”

However, following the appointment of Hussein, the resigned judges rescinded their retirement requests. According to INA, they stated that “the reasons that led them to request retirement have been addressed.”

The judges congratulated Hussein on his appointment and highlighted the importance of establishing “sound judicial work mechanisms” and adhering strictly to constitutional jurisdiction. They also stressed the need to “preserve the independence and neutrality of the judiciary and refrain from any behavior or practice that would compromise it.”

Importantly, these developments come ahead of a highly anticipated legal session concerning the Kurdistan Region.

Since early June, public servants in the Region have been urging the court to issue an injunction that would compel the federal government to resume salary disbursements, which have been suspended since late May.

Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad escalated after the federal finance ministry halted all budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including the salaries of more than 1.2 million public employees. The ministry claimed the freeze was due to the KRG exceeding its allocated 12.67 percent share of the 2025 federal budget.

Kurdish political parties have widely condemned the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional and politically motivated.

President Rashid’s swift endorsement of Judge Hussein may be seen as an attempt to stabilize the Federal Supreme Court at a time of mounting legal and constitutional challenges - including the urgent issue of public servant salaries in the Kurdistan Region.

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