Widespread Arrests of Baath Party Members in Iraq Ahead of Elections
Iraqi cities in the northwest and central regions have witnessed widespread arrests over recent days targeting dozens accused of belonging to the Baath Party, according to reports from webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and the Qatari website Al-araby Al-Jadeed.
Although similar arrests occurred before IraqS 2018 and 2021 elections, this latest operation has been broader in scope, involving both elderly individuals and young people.
The detentions are based on legislation passed after the U.S. invasion known as the “Baath Party prohibition Law,” which criminalizes membership or affiliation with its political ideology. The law bars Baath affiliates from holding positions in Iraqi government or semi-government institutions and prohibits their participation in elections.
Iraq’s National Security Service reported that it had foiled sabotage plots by remnants of the Baath Party across four provinces-Baghdad, Nineveh, Salah al-Din, and Kirkuk-resulting in multiple arrests. These suspects allegedly aimed to incite public unrest and undermine internal security and stability.
According to official reports, 40 suspects linked to the Baath Party were arrested last week. Additionally, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) confirmed similar operations took place in Anbar province in western Iraq.
Security sources conveyed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that since early this year nearly 300 individuals have been detained by Iraqi security forces and PMF intelligence on accusations of Baath Party membership.
