MFA Deputy Responds to Reports of Women Imprisoned in Iraq for Terrorism Charges

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin has commented on the case of six women reportedly serving life sentences in Iraq for aiding terrorism, Orda reports.

The women, believed to be Kazakhstan citizens, were convicted eight years ago in Baghdad. Human rights advocates say violations, including the absence of legal representation, marred the trial.

The women recently issued another appeal for help.

We found out about this recently, <...> I should note that there is no confirmation that all of them are citizens of Kazakhstan. There is conflicting information — some say only two are from Kazakhstan, while the rest are from neighboring countries,Rakhmetullin said 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov commented on the situation in 2023, when the women reportedly went on a hunger strike.

Rakhmetullin emphasized that the main challenge lies in the fact that Iraqi courts have already convicted the women.

They were sentenced to life in prison for aiding terrorism. However, we are working with the Iraqi side on a potential extradition agreement and prisoner transfer. It is a long process, but we are actively engaged. I can’t say exactly when or what will happen, he said. 

The Deputy Minister added that there is still hope for a resolution.

If we sign such an agreement, we could transfer these women to serve their sentences in Kazakhstan — but only if they are confirmed to be citizens of Kazakhstan, he said. 

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova