The relationship between Iran and Iraq continues as usual, with Baghdad preparing another gesture to the Islamic Republic. This time, the two countries announced the transfer of dozens of prisoners from Iraqi territory to Iran—coming just after border crossings between the two nations reopened this week.
49 Iranian prisoners held in Iraqi jails were transferred yesterday (Tuesday) to Iran, according to the Tasnim news agency. The report noted that among the 49 prisoners transferred are four women.
1+According to the news agency, the prisoners won’t be released on Iranian soil. Instead, they’ll go through legal and judicial procedures before being transferred to the central prison in the city of Ilam, located near the Iraqi border, where they’ll continue serving their sentences.
Tasnim claimed that most of the transferred prisoners were arrested in Iraq for drug possession, pills, prohibited items, or packages belonging to others. After going through legal proceedings, they were handed lengthy prison sentences. The news agency didn’t explain what’s behind the decision, but it comes shortly after Iraq announced the reopening of land border crossings with Iran.
1+Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi said about the move: “After conducting a review of the work situation at the border crossings, and identifying their organizational and technical needs, and in coordination with all departments and agencies operating in them, and in a manner that strengthens the security of the crossings while maintaining normal flow of trade and movement of citizens, it was decided to include the following schedules to complete the requirements of organization and training at the border crossings.”