Iraq to repatriate hundreds of foreign female prisoners and their children

Monday 25 August 2025 - 14:55

By: Sahili Aya

Iraq to repatriate hundreds of foreign female prisoners and their children

Baghdad, August 25, 2025 — Iraq has announced plans to repatriate hundreds of foreign female detainees and their children, most of whom are affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) or are common-law prisoners. The initiative excludes women sentenced to death, according to a senior Iraqi security official.

The highest numbers of detainees come from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia, while France is also affected, with two women sentenced in Iraq, including Djamila Boutoutaou, who received a 20-year sentence in 2018 for her involvement with ISIS.

A committee chaired by Iraq’s Justice Minister has been established to draft a plan for returning these women and their children. According to the ministry, 625 foreign women and 60 children are currently held in Iraqi prisons, which suffer from severe overcrowding. Efforts aim to reduce the occupancy rate from 300% to 150%, alleviating pressure on deteriorating prison infrastructure.

Diplomats have warned that the repatriation process is likely to be lengthy and complex, requiring bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding between Iraq and the detainees’ home countries. The Iraqi government emphasizes the humanitarian aspect, especially for the children, as discussions continue with diplomatic representatives in Baghdad.

“I am not certain this will happen quickly,” a European diplomat told AFP, highlighting the legal and procedural challenges involved.

The repatriation initiative is part of broader efforts to address post-ISIS security and humanitarian issues in Iraq while complying with international legal frameworks