Morocco, Iraq discuss repatriation of Moroccan foreign fighters

A preliminary list of Moroccan nationals detained in Iraq for alleged links to the Islamic State (ISIS) has been compiled and is ready for transfer to Moroccan authorities, Al Ahdath Al Maghribia reported.

The list includes several high-profile detainees currently held in Nassiriya prison, marking a significant step toward resolving a long-standing humanitarian and legal issue.

Among those named are Laila Kasmi (Tanger), Ibtissam Haouzi (Beni Mellal), Youness Manouni (Fès), Abdessalem Bekkali (Tanger), and Mohamed Ighlouchen (Tanger), along with Ahmed Boukadi, Abdellatif Tbili, Issam Adnan, and Bouazzaoui Taibi from various regions across Morocco.

This development follows the signing of a bilateral judicial cooperation agreement between Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and his Iraqi counterpart Khalid Chouani.

The agreement, finalized in Baghdad, outlines reciprocal extradition procedures and introduces a framework for alternative sentencing. Negotiations began in 2023 and reflect a shared political will to address the complex issue while upholding the legal rights and dignity of detainees.

Minister Ouahbi praised the initiative, describing it as a testament to the enduring fraternal ties between Morocco and Iraq and Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens abroad.

Iraqi Justice Minister Chouani emphasized that the agreement aligns with Iraq’s international human rights obligations and could facilitate family reunification for detainees.