Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice Public Service Announcement – Iraqi court system reopens May 8, 2003 Iraq reopened its criminal court system Thursday with sessions held at two Baghdad courthouses. Approximately a dozen defendants appeared before investigative judges at Admaniya and Bayaa, where consolidated court functions are being held, to determine if enough evidence exists to proceed to trials. The defendants are accused of a variety of serious crimes since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, including armed robbery and murder. Other courts are expected to resume operation in coming weeks. ORHA International Press Information Center POC: James Law