Morocco and Iraq Sign Agreement for the Transfer of Convicts and a Memorandum of Understanding on Alternative Sentencing
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi signed a cooperation agreement with his Iraqi counterpart Khaled Shwani in Rabat, aimed at the transfer of convicts serving prison sentences, along with a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the area of alternative sentencing.
The signing culminates a lengthy negotiation process that began in March 2023 in Baghdad, with the goal of facilitating the transfer of Moroccan prisoners detained in Iraq, particularly those accused of belonging to extremist groups, and allowing them to meet their families in line with international law.
Ouahbi stated that the two agreements reflect “a genuine political will to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the rights and dignity of Moroccan citizens wherever they are.” He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond a technical aspect, becoming a practical step in enhancing judicial cooperation between Morocco and Iraq.
For his part, Iraqi Minister Khaled Shwani explained that the agreements express Baghdad’s commitment to implementing the Riyadh Convention of 1983 and international human rights agreements, praising Morocco’s leading role in the Arab region in maintaining peace and security.
Shwani’s visit, which extends from August 27 to 31, 2025, provided an opportunity to discuss mechanisms for enhancing legal cooperation and exchanging expertise, especially with the entry into force of Moroccan Law No. 43.22 concerning alternative sentencing, which strengthens the kingdom’s capacity to share its legal experience with international partners, in line with King Mohammed VI’s directives to ensure the rights of citizens both inside and outside the country.
