The President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Dr. Faiq Zaidan, affirmed today, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, that we stand before a truly historic moment in every sense of the word—a moment in which we recall one hundred years of dedicated judicial work and relentless efforts to uphold the rule of law, achieve justice, and protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
This came during the celebration marking the centenary of the establishment of the Federal Court of Cassation (1925). His Excellency explained that the Court has been, and continues to be, a symbol of legal stability and a reliable source for the application and interpretation of legal texts, as well as a guarantor of the unity of judicial interpretation in the country. It has not only been a court that reviews rulings and decisions, but also a living legal memory that preserves the course of justice and its development across generations.
The President of the Council continued, stating that this Court, like other state institutions, has gone through difficult phases and has borne the burdens of sensitive periods in Iraq’s political and social history. Nevertheless, it has remained steadfast in its position, committed to its principles, maintaining its independence, and believing in its role in building a state governed by law.
Judge Faiq Zaidan also emphasized that judicial independence is the cornerstone of any true democratic system. It is not a privilege granted by anyone, but a constitutionally guaranteed right that we uphold and defend, as it is the sole guarantor of justice and the primary source of citizens’ trust in state institutions.
The President of the Supreme Judicial Council further stated that, on this occasion, we can only remember with pride and appreciation those who came before us in this journey—the pioneering judges who laid the foundations of this great institution and guided it to where it stands today. Special tribute is paid to those who made great sacrifices in the line of duty; some wrote history through their decisions, while others wrote it with their blood. To all of them, we stand today in loyalty and gratitude.
He noted that today’s celebration is not only to honor the past, but also a call to reflect on the future: how to preserve the legacy of the Court of Cassation, how to develop our judicial tools and keep pace with modern times, and how to provide the judiciary with the support and attention it deserves, so that it remains strong, independent, and respected by all. This is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to achieve it.
Judge Faiq Zaidan concluded his speech by thanking everyone who contributed to organizing this ceremony, expressing the hope that justice in Iraq will always remain a symbol of dignity, security, and the rule of law.
It is worth noting that this celebration was organized by the Iraqi Women Judges Association in cooperation with the Iraqi National Museum. It was attended by the judges of the Court of Cassation currently in service, former Chief Judge (retired) Medhat Al-Mahmoud, his deputy (retired) Sami Al-Maamouri, and court member (retired) Mohammed Qasim Al-Janabi, in addition to a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors, representatives of the Iraqi Women Judges Association, and directors general of the Supreme Judicial Council.
To view the President’s speech, click here.
