Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife held Yazidi women captured by the Islamic State in her home, according to Iraqi authorities. Watch to know more.

Iraq: Baghdadi's wife gets death sentence for crimes against Yazidis

Iraq: baghdadi's wife to be hanged, death sentence for crimes against Yazidis

An Iraqi criminal court on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;10) sentenced to death the wife of slain Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She has been accused of working with the ISIS group and detaining Yazidi women, said the country's judiciary, without naming the woman.

Media reports have identified her as Asma Mohammed aka Asma Fawzi Mohammed Al-Qubaysi, the first wife of a polygamous Baghdadi.

Baghdadi's wife has been sentenced to death by hanging "for crimes against humanity and genocide against the Yazidi people and also for contributing to terrorism actions," a court official told new agency Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-nato-against-provoking-confrontation-after-alliance-labels-it-a-decisive-enabler-of-russias-war-739731">China warns NATO against provoking confrontation after alliance labels it a 'decisive enabler' of Russia's war</a>

<h2>Asma Mohammed's detention and sentencing</h2>

"The Karkh (west Baghdad) criminal court sentenced to death the wife of the terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for the crime of working with the Daesh [Arabic acronym for IS] terrorist group and detaining Yazidi women in her house," said Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council on its website.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife detained the Yazidis, who "were later kidnapped" by IS fighters in the Sinjar district of northern Iraq, added the notice.

As per an AFP report citing anonymous judicial sources, Asma was brought back to Iraq after being detained in Turkey.

In November 2019, Turkey announced the arrest of Baghdadi's wife. In February 2024, Iraq said that it had secured "the repatriation of the family" of Baghdadi. Reportedly, Asma and her children were part of this repatriation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-poised-to-halt-cross-border-attacks-if-gaza-truce-achieved-says-chief-nasrallah-739706">Hezbollah poised to halt cross-border attacks if Gaza truce achieved, says chief Nasrallah</a>

<h2>Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?</h2>

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in November 2019 in a raid by the US Special Forces in northern Syria — during Republican Donald Trump's stint as the US President.

The leader of ISIS rose from obscurity to lead the ultra-hardline Daesh group and declared himself "caliph" of all Muslims. He held sway over vast areas of Iraq and Syria from 2014 to 2017 before the Islamic State's control disintegrated under US-led attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Iraqi criminal court on Wednesday (Jul 10) sentenced to death the wife of slain Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She has been accused of working with the ISIS group and detaining Yazidi women, said the country's judiciary, without naming the woman.

An Iraqi criminal court on Wednesday (Jul 10) sentenced to death the wife of slain Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She has been accused of working with the ISIS group and detaining Yazidi women, said the country's judiciary, without naming the woman. Media reports have identified her as Asma Mohammed aka Asma Fawzi Mohammed Al-Qubaysi, the first wife of a polygamous Baghdadi. Baghdadi's wife has been sentenced to death by hanging "for crimes against humanity and genocide against the Yazidi people and also for contributing to terrorism actions," a court official told new agency Reuters. Also read | China warns NATO against provoking confrontation after alliance labels it a 'decisive enabler' of Russia's war Asma Mohammed's detention and sentencing "The Karkh (west Baghdad) criminal court sentenced to death the wife of the terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for the crime of working with the Daesh [Arabic acronym for IS] terrorist group and detaining Yazidi women in her house," said Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council on its website. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife detained the Yazidis, who "were later kidnapped" by IS fighters in the Sinjar district of northern Iraq, added the notice. As per an AFP report citing anonymous judicial sources, Asma was brought back to Iraq after being detained in Turkey. In November 2019, Turkey announced the arrest of Baghdadi's wife. In February 2024, Iraq said that it had secured "the repatriation of the family" of Baghdadi. Reportedly, Asma and her children were part of this repatriation. Also read | Hezbollah poised to halt cross-border attacks if Gaza truce achieved, says chief Nasrallah Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi? Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in November 2019 in a raid by the US Special Forces in northern Syria — during Republican Donald Trump's stint as the US President. The leader of ISIS rose from obscurity to lead the ultra-hardline Daesh group and declared himself "caliph" of all Muslims. He held sway over vast areas of Iraq and Syria from 2014 to 2017 before the Islamic State's control disintegrated under US-led attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

ISIS leader al-Baghdadi's wife, Asma Mohammed, sentenced to death for 'crimes against humanity'

Is Benjamin Netanyahu now looking at a fresh threat? Is the new threat to Israel from Iraq? Molly Gambhir getting you the complete story.

Gravitas | New threat to Israel from Iraq?

On Tech It Out, we continue to bring you fascinating and inspiring stories from around the globe. In this story, we introduce you to a man who has constructed a car entirely from scrap materials. Have a look at the story to know why.

Iraqi man builds car from scratch

Iraq's oil minister announced on Sunday that Chinese companies have clinched five additional bids to explore oil and gas fields in the country, marking a major advancement in the West Asia nation's hydrocarbon exploration licensing round. <o:p></o:p>

Chinese enterprises have emerged as the sole foreign winners thus far; securing licenses for 10 oil and gas fields, with Iraqi Kurdish Company KAR Group acquiring two licenses as well.<o:p></o:p>

The ongoing licensing round, Iraq's sixth, aims to strengthen domestic energy production, with a focus on enhancing output for local consumption. <o:p></o:p>

More than 20 companies, including European, Chinese, Arab, and Iraqi entities, participated in the pre-qualification process for the 29 projects on offer.<o:p></o:p>

Of particular interest to Iraq is the amplification of natural gas production to fuel power plants currently reliant on gas imports from Iran. <o:p></o:p>

However, despite these ambitions, bids were notably absent for at least six fields with significant gas potential, posing potential setbacks to Iraq's gas production objectives.<o:p></o:p>

Despite Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia's recent official visit to the US, no bids were placed by US oil majors, marking their absence from the bidding process. <o:p></o:p>

The lack of participation from American companies is evident, especially given the diplomatic exchanges preceding the licensing round.<o:p></o:p>

In specific bid awards, China's CNOOC Iraq secured a bid to develop Block 7 for oil exploration, spanning across several provinces in central and southern Iraq. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, ZhenHua, Anton Oilfield Services, and Sinopec won bids for the development of the Abu Khaymah, Dhufriya, and Sumer oilfields, respectively. <o:p></o:p>

China's Geo-Jade also secured a bid for the exploration of Iraq's Jabal Sanam field in Basra province.<o:p></o:p>

Iraq, the second-largest oil producer within OPEC, has encountered challenges in its oil sector development, including contractual terms deemed unfavourable by major oil companies, recurring military conflicts, and growing investor scrutiny on environmental, social, and governance criteria. <o:p></o:p>

These factors have influenced the participation dynamics in Iraq's oil and gas exploration ventures.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Iraq's oil minister announced on Sunday that Chinese companies have clinched five additional bids to explore oil and gas fields in the country, marking a major advancement in the West Asia nation's hydrocarbon exploration licensing round.

Iraq's oil minister announced on Sunday that Chinese companies have clinched five additional bids to explore oil and gas fields in the country, marking a major advancement in the West Asia nation's hydrocarbon exploration licensing round. Chinese enterprises have emerged as the sole foreign winners thus far; securing licenses for 10 oil and gas fields, with Iraqi Kurdish Company KAR Group acquiring two licenses as well. The ongoing licensing round, Iraq's sixth, aims to strengthen domestic energy production, with a focus on enhancing output for local consumption. More than 20 companies, including European, Chinese, Arab, and Iraqi entities, participated in the pre-qualification process for the 29 projects on offer. Of particular interest to Iraq is the amplification of natural gas production to fuel power plants currently reliant on gas imports from Iran. However, despite these ambitions, bids were notably absent for at least six fields with significant gas potential, posing potential setbacks to Iraq's gas production objectives. Despite Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia's recent official visit to the US, no bids were placed by US oil majors, marking their absence from the bidding process. The lack of participation from American companies is evident, especially given the diplomatic exchanges preceding the licensing round. In specific bid awards, China's CNOOC Iraq secured a bid to develop Block 7 for oil exploration, spanning across several provinces in central and southern Iraq. Additionally, ZhenHua, Anton Oilfield Services, and Sinopec won bids for the development of the Abu Khaymah, Dhufriya, and Sumer oilfields, respectively. China's Geo-Jade also secured a bid for the exploration of Iraq's Jabal Sanam field in Basra province. Iraq, the second-largest oil producer within OPEC, has encountered challenges in its oil sector development, including contractual terms deemed unfavourable by major oil companies, recurring military conflicts, and growing investor scrutiny on environmental, social, and governance criteria. These factors have influenced the participation dynamics in Iraq's oil and gas exploration ventures. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese firms secure major bids in Iraq's oil and gas exploration

Powerful Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is laying the groundwork for a political comeback two years after a failed and ultimately deadly high-stakes move to form a government without his Shi'ite rivals, multiple sources said.

His return, likely planned for the 2025 parliamentary election, could threaten the growing clout of rivals including Iraqi Shi'ite parties and armed factions close to Iran, and undermine Iraq's recent relative stability, observers say.

However, many among Iraqi's majority Shi'ite population are likely to welcome Sadr's re-emergence, especially his masses of mostly pious and poor followers who view him as a champion of the downtrodden.

Reuters spoke to more than 20 people for this story, including Shi'ite politicians in Sadr's movement and in rival factions, clerics and politicians in the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, and government officials and analysts. Most spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

"This time, the Sadrist movement has stronger plans than the last time round to win more seats in order to form a majority government," a former Sadrist lawmaker said, though the final decision to run has not officially been made.

Sadr won the 2021 parliamentary election but ordered his lawmakers to resign, then announced a "final withdrawal" from politics the next year after rival Shi'ite parties thwarted his attempt to form a majority government solely with Kurdish and Sunni Muslim parties.

A dominant figure in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, self-styled nationalist Sadr has railed against the influence of both Iran and the United States in Iraq.

Iran views Sadr's participation in politics as important to maintaining Iraq's Shi'ite-dominated political system in the long term, though Tehran rejects his aspirations to be recognised as its single most dominant force.

The United States, which fought Sadr's forces after he declared a holy war against them in 2004, sees him as a threat to Iraq's fragile stability, but also views him as a needed counter to Iranian influence.

Many Iraqis say they have lost out no matter who is in power while elites siphon off the country's oil wealth.

CLERICAL NOD

Since March, Sadr has stepped back towards the limelight.

First, he held a rare meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent cleric revered by millions of Shi'ites who played a central role in ending the deadly intra-Shi'ite clashes in 2022 that preceded Sadr's political exit.

Sadrists interpret the March 18 audience with Sistani, who stays above the fray of Iraq's fractious politics and does not typically meet politicians, as a tacit endorsement, according to six people in Sadr's movement.

A cleric close to Sistani said Sadr spoke about a possible return to political life and parliament and "left this important meeting with a positive outcome". Sistani's office did not respond to a request for comment.

Days after the meeting, Sadr instructed his lawmakers who resigned in 2021 to gather and re-engage with the movement's political base.

He then renamed his organisation the Shi'ite National Movement, a swipe at rival Shi'ite factions he deems unpatriotic and beholden to Iran as well as a bid to further mobilise his base along sectarian lines, a person close to Sadr said.

While some analysts fear the disruption of a Sadr return to frontline politics, others say he could re-emerge humbled by the routing of his forces during the intra-Shi'ite strife as well as the relative success of the current Baghdad government, including its balancing of relations between Iran and the U.S.

"Of course, there is always a greater risk of instability when you have more groups balancing power, especially when they are armed. But the Sadrists should return less hostile," said Hamzeh Haddad, an Iraqi analyst and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"The political parties know it's best to share power than to lose it all together," he said.

A senior Sadrist politician said the movement might seek to ally with some ruling Shi'ite factions, such as popular Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, while isolating others including arch-rival Qais Al-Khazaali, leader of the powerful, Iran-backed political and military group Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

Advisers to Sudani said he was keeping his options open.

"There are groups in the framework that we have long-time relations with and could ally with before or after elections. What we don't accept is to get into deals with corrupt militias," the senior Sadrist said.

In Sadr City, Sadr's sprawling, long-impoverished stronghold on the east side of Baghdad, many supporters await his return in the hope this could translate into jobs and services.

"This city supports Sadr and I don't think he would forget us after all the sacrifices we have made for him," said Taleb Muhawi, a 37-year-old father of three who was waiting to hear back on a government job.

"He needs to shake things up when he comes back."

Powerful Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is laying the groundwork for a political comeback two years after a failed and ultimately deadly high-stakes move to form a government without his Shi'ite rivals, multiple sources said.

Powerful Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is laying the groundwork for a political comeback two years after a failed and ultimately deadly high-stakes move to form a government without his Shi'ite rivals, multiple sources said. His return, likely planned for the 2025 parliamentary election, could threaten the growing clout of rivals including Iraqi Shi'ite parties and armed factions close to Iran, and undermine Iraq's recent relative stability, observers say. However, many among Iraqi's majority Shi'ite population are likely to welcome Sadr's re-emergence, especially his masses of mostly pious and poor followers who view him as a champion of the downtrodden. Reuters spoke to more than 20 people for this story, including Shi'ite politicians in Sadr's movement and in rival factions, clerics and politicians in the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, and government officials and analysts. Most spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. "This time, the Sadrist movement has stronger plans than the last time round to win more seats in order to form a majority government," a former Sadrist lawmaker said, though the final decision to run has not officially been made. Sadr won the 2021 parliamentary election but ordered his lawmakers to resign, then announced a "final withdrawal" from politics the next year after rival Shi'ite parties thwarted his attempt to form a majority government solely with Kurdish and Sunni Muslim parties. A dominant figure in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, self-styled nationalist Sadr has railed against the influence of both Iran and the United States in Iraq. Iran views Sadr's participation in politics as important to maintaining Iraq's Shi'ite-dominated political system in the long term, though Tehran rejects his aspirations to be recognised as its single most dominant force. The United States, which fought Sadr's forces after he declared a holy war against them in 2004, sees him as a threat to Iraq's fragile stability, but also views him as a needed counter to Iranian influence. Many Iraqis say they have lost out no matter who is in power while elites siphon off the country's oil wealth. CLERICAL NOD Since March, Sadr has stepped back towards the limelight. First, he held a rare meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent cleric revered by millions of Shi'ites who played a central role in ending the deadly intra-Shi'ite clashes in 2022 that preceded Sadr's political exit. Sadrists interpret the March 18 audience with Sistani, who stays above the fray of Iraq's fractious politics and does not typically meet politicians, as a tacit endorsement, according to six people in Sadr's movement. A cleric close to Sistani said Sadr spoke about a possible return to political life and parliament and "left this important meeting with a positive outcome". Sistani's office did not respond to a request for comment. Days after the meeting, Sadr instructed his lawmakers who resigned in 2021 to gather and re-engage with the movement's political base. He then renamed his organisation the Shi'ite National Movement, a swipe at rival Shi'ite factions he deems unpatriotic and beholden to Iran as well as a bid to further mobilise his base along sectarian lines, a person close to Sadr said. While some analysts fear the disruption of a Sadr return to frontline politics, others say he could re-emerge humbled by the routing of his forces during the intra-Shi'ite strife as well as the relative success of the current Baghdad government, including its balancing of relations between Iran and the U.S. "Of course, there is always a greater risk of instability when you have more groups balancing power, especially when they are armed. But the Sadrists should return less hostile," said Hamzeh Haddad, an Iraqi analyst and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "The political parties know it's best to share power than to lose it all together," he said. A senior Sadrist politician said the movement might seek to ally with some ruling Shi'ite factions, such as popular Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, while isolating others including arch-rival Qais Al-Khazaali, leader of the powerful, Iran-backed political and military group Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Advisers to Sudani said he was keeping his options open. "There are groups in the framework that we have long-time relations with and could ally with before or after elections. What we don't accept is to get into deals with corrupt militias," the senior Sadrist said. In Sadr City, Sadr's sprawling, long-impoverished stronghold on the east side of Baghdad, many supporters await his return in the hope this could translate into jobs and services. "This city supports Sadr and I don't think he would forget us after all the sacrifices we have made for him," said Taleb Muhawi, a 37-year-old father of three who was waiting to hear back on a government job. "He needs to shake things up when he comes back."

Powerful Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr prepares for political comeback

Turkiye carried out strikes at PKK targets in Northern Iraq. The attack comes after Erdogan's rare visit to Iraq. Watch the report to know more.

Did Turkiye & Iraq plan to strike PKK?

The passage of harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law in Iraq is drawing diplomatic backlash. Over the weekend, Iraqi parliament passed a law that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay & transgender people.

Anti-LGTQ+ law causes alarm in Iraq

The United States has severely denounced Iraq over its new bill criminalising same-sex relationships stating that the new law "threatens those most at risk" in Iraqi society.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, in a statement, warned that the amendment to the 1988 anti-prostitution law could be used to "hamper free speech and expression".

He further said that it would "weaken Iraq's ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment."

"We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment," he wrote in a post on his official X account.

He further said that international business coalitions had already indicated that such discrimination in Iraqi society would harm businesses and economic growth in the country.

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We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1784335965814718936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leader-abbas-says-only-us-can-stop-israels-attack-on-rafah-715962">Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says only US can stop Israel’s attack on Rafah</a>

<h2>'Dangerous and worrying,' says UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron&nbsp;</h2>

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that the new law was extremely dangerous and worrying, calling for the government to "uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction."

"Amendments to Iraq’s Anti-Prostitution Law which criminalises LGBT people are dangerous and worrying. No one should be targeted for who they are. We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction," he said.

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Amendments to Iraq’s Anti - Prostitution Law which criminalises LGBT people are dangerous and worrying. No one should be targeted for who they are. We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/1784309153986441397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a bill criminalising same-sex relationships with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.&nbsp;

The move was condemned by the rights groups that termed it an "attack on human rights".

The law aims to "protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world," said the copy of the law according to news agency Reuters.

Under the amendments to a 1988 anti-prostitution law, transgender people will be sentenced to three years in prison.&nbsp;

The amendments were adopted during a session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers.

The move was mainly backed by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties who form the largest coalition in mainly Muslim Iraq's parliament.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has severely denounced Iraq over its new bill criminalising same-sex relationships stating that the new law "threatens those most at risk" in Iraqi society.

The United States has severely denounced Iraq over its new bill criminalising same-sex relationships stating that the new law "threatens those most at risk" in Iraqi society. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, in a statement, warned that the amendment to the 1988 anti-prostitution law could be used to "hamper free speech and expression". He further said that it would "weaken Iraq's ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment." "We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment," he wrote in a post on his official X account. He further said that international business coalitions had already indicated that such discrimination in Iraqi society would harm businesses and economic growth in the country. We are deeply concerned by the passage of an amendment to existing anti-prostitution and homosexuality legislation in Iraq. This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society and weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. — Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) April 27, 2024 × Also read: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says only US can stop Israel’s attack on Rafah 'Dangerous and worrying,' says UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that the new law was extremely dangerous and worrying, calling for the government to "uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction." "Amendments to Iraq’s Anti-Prostitution Law which criminalises LGBT people are dangerous and worrying. No one should be targeted for who they are. We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction," he said. Amendments to Iraq’s Anti - Prostitution Law which criminalises LGBT people are dangerous and worrying. No one should be targeted for who they are. We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 27, 2024 × Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a bill criminalising same-sex relationships with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The move was condemned by the rights groups that termed it an "attack on human rights". The law aims to "protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world," said the copy of the law according to news agency Reuters. Under the amendments to a 1988 anti-prostitution law, transgender people will be sentenced to three years in prison. The amendments were adopted during a session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers. The move was mainly backed by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties who form the largest coalition in mainly Muslim Iraq's parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

US, UK condemn bill criminalising same-sex relationships in Iraq

In the latest,&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party member, Dr&nbsp;Dan Poulter, switched to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr&nbsp;Poulter stated that the Conservatives have turned into a "nationalist party of the right" and no longer prioritise the NHS. In other news, Iraq passed a new law&nbsp;that could put people in jail for up to 15 years just for being in a same-sex relationship. Separately, in the realm of India's Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India canceled the votes from six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency and scheduled new elections for these stations on April 30. 
&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

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In a major blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, Tory MP and former health minister Dr Dan Poulter defected to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter said that the Conservatives have become a “nationalist party of the right” that no longer prioritises the NHS or the National Health Service (NHS), which is a government-funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides free services to almost the entire population, except for certain services.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-attack-on-iraqs-lgbtq-govt-criminalises-same-sex-relationship-with-maximum-15-year-jail-term-715814">Latest attack on Iraq's LGBTQ: Govt criminalises same-sex relationship with maximum 15-year jail term</a>

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Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships&nbsp;with a maximum 15-year prison sentence.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the law, passed by parliament, aims to protect the Iraqi society&nbsp;from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world.

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Police in the United States 'detained' more than 150 people, mostly students at two Universities on Saturday (April 27), in a show of heavy-handedness against pro-Palestinian protestors amid campus clashes triggered by Israel-Hamas war.

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The Election Commission of India has declared the polls conducted at six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in northeastern India as null and void and announced fresh elections in these stations on April 30. The polling at these stations will be conducted separately as no phase of voting is scheduled for April 30 elsewhere in the country. The third of seven-phase voting is scheduled to be held on May 7th.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the latest, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party member, Dr Dan Poulter, switched to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter stated that the Conservatives have turned into a "nationalist party of the right" and no longer prioritise the NHS.

In the latest, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party member, Dr Dan Poulter, switched to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter stated that the Conservatives have turned into a "nationalist party of the right" and no longer prioritise the NHS. In other news, Iraq passed a new law that could put people in jail for up to 15 years just for being in a same-sex relationship. Separately, in the realm of India's Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India canceled the votes from six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency and scheduled new elections for these stations on April 30. Click on the headlines to read more. Major blow to Rishi Sunak as former health minister switches over to Labour Party In a major blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, Tory MP and former health minister Dr Dan Poulter defected to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter said that the Conservatives have become a “nationalist party of the right” that no longer prioritises the NHS or the National Health Service (NHS), which is a government-funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides free services to almost the entire population, except for certain services. Latest attack on Iraq's LGBTQ: Govt criminalises same-sex relationship with maximum 15-year jail term Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence. This was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the law, passed by parliament, aims to protect the Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world. Over 150 detained as pro-Palestine protests with 'virulent anti-Semitic slurs' grip US varsities Police in the United States 'detained' more than 150 people, mostly students at two Universities on Saturday (April 27), in a show of heavy-handedness against pro-Palestinian protestors amid campus clashes triggered by Israel-Hamas war. Red Sea Crisis: Yemen backed Houthi rebels claim they shot down US' MQ-9 reaper drone Manipur: Election commission orders fresh voting across six polling stations The Election Commission of India has declared the polls conducted at six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in northeastern India as null and void and announced fresh elections in these stations on April 30. The polling at these stations will be conducted separately as no phase of voting is scheduled for April 30 elsewhere in the country. The third of seven-phase voting is scheduled to be held on May 7th.

Morning news brief: Top Tory MP switches to Labour party; Iraq criminalises same-sex relationships; & more

Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence. This was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country.

Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence. This was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the law, passed by parliament, aims to protect the Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world. The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality bans same-sex relations with at least 10 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison and mandates at least seven years in prison for anybody who promotes homosexuality or prostitution. The law also imposes one and three years in prison for anyone who changes their "biological gender" or wilfully dresses in an effeminate manner. Law condemned by rights advocates The law was condemned by rights advocates. Speaking to Reuters, Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights programme at Human Rights Watch, said that the law rubber-stamped "Iraq's appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people and is a serious blow to fundamental human rights." Until the law was passed on Saturday, Iraq didn't explicitly criminalise gay sex. However, loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target LGBT people, and members of the community have also been killed by armed groups and individuals. Law initially included death penalty The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality initially included the death penalty for same-sex acts but was amended before being passed after strong opposition from the United States (US) and European countries. The law was backed mainly by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties. Shi'ite Muslim parties and other major parties in Iraq had stepped up their criticism of LGBTQ rights last year, with rainbow flags frequently being burned in protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Latest attack on Iraq's LGBTQ: Govt criminalises same-sex relationship with maximum 15-year jail term

Amid the growing attacks on American troops in west Asia, the united states have asked Iraq to safeguard its troops deployed in the region of Iraq and Syria.

US calls in Iraq to safeguard its troops amid new attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Iraqi Prime Minister Al Sudani. The duo discussed a range of topics, including cross-border tensions between Turkiye and PKK. Watch this report to know more.

Fresh start to Turkiye-Iraq ties?

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president.

A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team".

A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people.

They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said.

Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences&nbsp;in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter.

Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bidens-iran-oil-sanctions-likely-to-spare-global-market-from-major-disruption-714094">Biden's Iran oil sanctions likely to spare global market from major disruption</a>

Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges".

It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group".

The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer.

The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months".

"The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty.

In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-arrives-in-sri-lanka-to-sign-five-mous-714567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison.

The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed.

The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory&nbsp;it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces.

But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency". Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president. A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team". A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people. They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said. Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter. Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture. Also Read: Biden's Iran oil sanctions likely to spare global market from major disruption Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges". It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group". The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer. The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months". "The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty. In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system". Watch: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison. The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed. The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror. It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces. But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism' in a week, confirms security and health sources

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed over 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including an agreement during their meeting in Baghdad on Monday.

Turkey, Iraq sign over 20 agreements during Erdogan visit

At least five rockets were launched from Iraq's town of Zummar towards the US military base in northeastern Syria. According to Iraqi Security Forces a major search operation has been launched.

Syria: Rockets fired at US military base from Iraqi town of Zummar, says reports

At least five rockets were fired at a military base of a US-led coalition in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (April 21), as per the Iraqi security forces.

After the launch of the rockets, a major search operation was carried out by the Iraqi forces in northern Nineveh province in response to the attack and they discovered the vehicle which was used for the launch of the rockets, said the Iraqi forces in a statement.

This was the first major attack carried out against the coalition forces after many weeks. The attack took place days after Israel reportedly responded to a drone strike by Iran on the Islamic republic, amid the ongoing Gaza war.

The Iraqi security forces, in their statement, accused "outlaw elements of having targetted a base of the international coalition with rockets in the heart of Syrian territory", at around 9:50 pm (1850 GMT).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-military-base-bombed-one-dead-several-injured-sources-713217">No drones or planes in Iraqi airspace during military base blast, says Iraq</a>

The vehicle, which was found involved in the attack, was burned down by the security forces, added the statement.&nbsp;

Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman said that many rockets were fired "from Iraqi territory at the Kharab al-Jir base" in northeast Syria, where US forces were present.&nbsp;

He blamed the attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups.

The attack took place a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came back from the United States where he held talks with President Joe Biden at the White House.

<h2>Iraqi forces investigate launch of rockets&nbsp;</h2>

According to a senior army officer and two security officials, a rocket launcher was found placed on the back of a small truck which was parked in Zummar border town with Syria.

According to military officials, the truck caught fire after the unfired rockets exploded at the same time when warplanes were in the sky.

"We can't confirm that the truck was bombed by US&nbsp;warplanes unless we investigate it," a military official said.

Watch:&nbsp;Iraq military base explosion: US denies reports of alleged attack in Iraq

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The Iraqi Security Medica Cell, which is an official organisation responsible for the dissemination of security information, in a statement, said that Iraqi forces had launched "a wide-ranging search and inspection operation" which targeted the perpetrators close to the Syrian border and pledged to take action against them.

An army officer added that the officials seized the truck for further investigation and initial investigation showed that an air strike destroyed the truck.

"We are communicating with the coalition forces in Iraq to share information on this attack," said the officer.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five rockets were fired at a military base of a US-led coalition in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (April 21), as per the Iraqi security forces. After the launch of the rockets, a major search operation was carried out by the Iraqi forces in northern Nineveh province in response to the attack and they discovered the vehicle which was used for the launch of the rockets, said the Iraqi forces in a statement.

At least five rockets were fired at a military base of a US-led coalition in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (April 21), as per the Iraqi security forces. After the launch of the rockets, a major search operation was carried out by the Iraqi forces in northern Nineveh province in response to the attack and they discovered the vehicle which was used for the launch of the rockets, said the Iraqi forces in a statement. This was the first major attack carried out against the coalition forces after many weeks. The attack took place days after Israel reportedly responded to a drone strike by Iran on the Islamic republic, amid the ongoing Gaza war. The Iraqi security forces, in their statement, accused "outlaw elements of having targetted a base of the international coalition with rockets in the heart of Syrian territory", at around 9:50 pm (1850 GMT). Also Read: No drones or planes in Iraqi airspace during military base blast, says Iraq The vehicle, which was found involved in the attack, was burned down by the security forces, added the statement. Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman said that many rockets were fired "from Iraqi territory at the Kharab al-Jir base" in northeast Syria, where US forces were present. He blamed the attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups. The attack took place a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came back from the United States where he held talks with President Joe Biden at the White House. Iraqi forces investigate launch of rockets According to a senior army officer and two security officials, a rocket launcher was found placed on the back of a small truck which was parked in Zummar border town with Syria. According to military officials, the truck caught fire after the unfired rockets exploded at the same time when warplanes were in the sky. "We can't confirm that the truck was bombed by US warplanes unless we investigate it," a military official said. Watch: Iraq military base explosion: US denies reports of alleged attack in Iraq The Iraqi Security Medica Cell, which is an official organisation responsible for the dissemination of security information, in a statement, said that Iraqi forces had launched "a wide-ranging search and inspection operation" which targeted the perpetrators close to the Syrian border and pledged to take action against them. An army officer added that the officials seized the truck for further investigation and initial investigation showed that an air strike destroyed the truck. "We are communicating with the coalition forces in Iraq to share information on this attack," said the officer. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets launched at US-led coalition base in Syria from Iraq

While Iran's defense and Military products have taken a spotlight at the annual high-profile defense Expo in the Iraqi Capital Bagdad. The fully Iran manufactured Mohajer-6 combat drone developed by the Islamic revolutionary guard core is making news as well. Watch in for more details!

Iran displays home-grown drone at Iran Defence Expo

Watch in the top headlines of the hour: - IDF raids refugee camps in West Bank - US House advances $95 billion aid package - Blasts rock military base in Iraq - Trump Hush Money Trial: Final jury named - North Korea heads cruise missile warhead

Blasts rock military base in Iraq | US house advances $95 billion aid package

West Asia continues to simmer. According to reports an explosion occurred at a military base in Iraq early on Saturday causing a large fire. Watch in for more details!

Iraq military base explosion: 1 killed & 8 injured in blast at Iraqi military base

IDF raids refugee camps in West Bank | Blasts rock military base in Iraq

Iraq military base explosion: US denies reports of alleged attack in Iraq

Watch in the top headlines of the hour: - US House advances $95 billion aid package - Blasts rock military base in Iraq - Trump Hush Money Trial: Final jury named - North Korea heads cruise missile warhead

US House advances $95 billion aid package | Blasts rock military base in Iraq

Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, a massive blast rocked a military base in Iraq, killing one person and injuring several others. Watch in for more details!

Blast rocks military base used by Iraqi security force

Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups.

An explosion occurred overnight at an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. It was an airstrike at the military base in Babylon province south of Baghdad, where Iraq's Popular Mobiliation Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi, is stationed, according to officials.

An Iraqi security forces media unit said in a statement that air defence command reported "no drones or combat aircraft in the airspace of Babylon province before or during the explosion".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">Israel vs Iran: Blinken says US ‘not involved in any offensive operation’</a>

One PMF fighter was killed and six were wounded, two sources at a hospital in the nearby city of Hilla said.

"The blast has caused material damage and injuries," PMF said in a statement.&nbsp;

While earlier, the ministry of interior official said the aerial bombing had killed one person and wounded eight others, the military source further reported three Iraqi military personnel had been wounded in a strike.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-palestinian-request-for-full-statehood-at-united-nations-712748">US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations</a>

However there were no immediate claims of responsibility. But shortly after the explosion, the US military said its forces were not behind the reported strike in Iraq.

"The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today," US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X, adding that reports that American forces had carried out a strike were "not true."

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We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1781474064478966238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out an attack on Iranian territory&nbsp;days after Iran struck Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles.&nbsp;

Israeli officials made no public comment on Friday's attack and Iranian officials have played down its significance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups.

Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. An explosion occurred overnight at an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. It was an airstrike at the military base in Babylon province south of Baghdad, where Iraq's Popular Mobiliation Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi, is stationed, according to officials. An Iraqi security forces media unit said in a statement that air defence command reported "no drones or combat aircraft in the airspace of Babylon province before or during the explosion". Also read: Israel vs Iran: Blinken says US ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ One PMF fighter was killed and six were wounded, two sources at a hospital in the nearby city of Hilla said. "The blast has caused material damage and injuries," PMF said in a statement. While earlier, the ministry of interior official said the aerial bombing had killed one person and wounded eight others, the military source further reported three Iraqi military personnel had been wounded in a strike. Also read: US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations However there were no immediate claims of responsibility. But shortly after the explosion, the US military said its forces were not behind the reported strike in Iraq. "The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today," US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X, adding that reports that American forces had carried out a strike were "not true." We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today. — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2024 × Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out an attack on Iranian territory days after Iran struck Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles. Israeli officials made no public comment on Friday's attack and Iranian officials have played down its significance. (With inputs from agencies)

No drones or planes in Iraqi airspace during military base blast, says Iraq

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, an official security force, said its command post at Kalso military base about 50 km (30 miles) south of Baghdad was hit by a huge explosion late on Friday (April 19), and two security sources said it resulted from an air strike.

One Iraqi PMF fighter killed, 8 wounded in missile strike on base near Baghdad

Iraq military base explosion: US clarifies it is not involved in Iran incident

In Iraq, the minority Yazidi community celebrates the new year by lighting oil lamps at a sacred shrine. As Yazidis pray for a better future, their new year celebrations are also a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Islamic state group.

Yazidis celebrate fertility

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India's wholesale inflation rises | US President Joe Biden set to host Iraqi PM

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