Constitutional Court dismisses Iraqi Parliament Speaker Halbusi amid escalating political tensions

BAGHDAD — Escalating political tensions in Iraq have reached a critical juncture as the Constitutional Court made a decisive move to dismiss Parliament Speaker Mohammed Halbusi, intensifying an already complex political crisis.

The highest judicial authority in Iraq, the Constitutional Court, issued a ruling on Tuesday to terminate Halbusi’s membership in the Iraqi Parliament. The decision stems from a fraud lawsuit filed against him in January by another Member of Parliament.

In his initial response, Halbusi expressed bewilderment at the Court’s decision, emphasizing the need for clarification surrounding the circumstances. The unexpected ruling prompted the resignation of three ministers from the Iraqi government, representing the Sunni Progress Party, who vehemently rejected the Court’s decision.

The Sunni Progress Party, in a statement, asserted that the resigning ministers of Culture, Planning, and Industry view the Court’s decision as a blatant constitutional violation and a clear instance of political targeting.

Halbusi, currently in his second term as Speaker, first assumed the position in 2018. This role holds significance as it represents the highest position attainable by a Sunni Iraqi within the sectarian quota system enforced in Iraq since 2005.

The Iraqi populace is now grappling with concerns that the nation may plunge into a renewed political crisis, potentially leading to chaos. This apprehension echoes past experiences, particularly during negotiations for the position of Prime Minister.