Shafaq News-Baghdad
Iraq’sFederal Court of Cassation acquitted former lawmaker Haider al-Mulla on Sundayof charges related to promoting the banned Baath Party, according to anofficial document.
The decisionoverturns a March 5 ruling by the Al-Karkh Criminal Court, which had sentencedhim to two years in prison over remarks made during a televised interview underArticle 3/123 of the Iraqi Penal Code. His defense team filed an appeal laterthat month.
In itsfindings, the Court of Cassation described the earlier verdict as “incorrect”and “contrary to the law,” citing a flawed assessment of evidence. Itunderlined that al-Mulla denied the accusations and that the recorded materialpresented did not constitute a criminal act under Article 9 of the Law onBanning the Baath Party.
The court dismissedthe case and ordered al-Mulla's release unless he is held on other legalgrounds.
