Iraq’s Justice Minister, Khalid Shwani, announced that only the country’s judiciary has the authority to decide on sentencing foreign ISIS fighters, who are currently detained in highly secure prisons. He explained that these detainees are provided with three daily meals and healthcare services.

Baghdad’s Position on Handing Over ISIS Fighters

Shwani declared that the foreign fighters of the ISIS organization, who committed crimes against Iraqi citizens, will not be handed over to their home countries under any pressure or circumstances. He emphasized: “Even if their countries request their return, only Iraq’s judiciary holds the final decision regarding their punishment for crimes committed on Iraqi soil or against Iraqis.”

Transfer of Prisoners from Syria to Iraq

The issue of foreign ISIS fighters has become complicated due to the lack of readiness of their home countries to take them back. Since the beginning of 2026, Iraq, in coordination with the international coalition, has agreed to receive thousands of ISIS prisoners. These detainees were transferred in stages from facilities controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria into Iraqi territory.

Security Measures Inside Prisons

According to the Justice Minister, these detainees, considered among the world’s most dangerous terrorists, are held in a special and highly secure prison. Shwani stressed that “security measures have been arranged in such a way that any possibility of escape, disorder, or unrest inside the prison is impossible, and the security situation is fully under control.”

Standards and Living Conditions of Prisoners

Regarding the treatment of detainees, the minister clarified that Iraq is committed to professional standards. Prisoners live in organized facilities equipped with cooling systems and healthcare provisions. He also noted that “they are provided with three meals daily according to established standards.”