Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is the former Prime Minister of Iraq (2020–2022).
To guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of its people, the Iraqi government must be a true democracy. Embodying the principles of equality, transparency, and accountability will help the government foster trust and earn the legitimacy of the Iraqi people and their democratic expression. Sadly, for decades, the Iraqi people have been let down by the failure to uphold these principles.
Iraq’s systemic problem is the vast discrepancy between rhetoric around freedom and democracy and the actual political reality. Over time, this gap has led to the unfortunate conclusion that democracy in Iraq is a sham, serving as a cover for widespread violations against Iraqis’ human rights and political freedoms. It is no wonder that we are left questioning: Are we experiencing genuine democracy, or are we still in the process of building it? What sacrifices must be made? And what is needed to break free from the crises that continue to plague the country? These questions are intractable and fundamental. I grappled with them every day while I served as Prime Minister of Iraq. But they are essential.
Unfortunately, there is a long way to go. For instance, I recently reviewed a report by an organization dedicated to press freedom in Iraq, which documented 457 violations in 2024 alone—including assaults, arrests and threats against reporters. Most alarmingly, the year saw at least five journalists killed. Another report from a human rights organization recorded over 150 abuses across the country, including both high-profile cases that shook the nation and lesser-known incidents occurring at the provincial level. These tragedies paint a dire picture of the human rights situation in Iraq.
Iraqis have endured systemic human rights abuses for decades. Saddam Hussein ruled not only as a dictator but led a regime of terror. His tenure was marked by staggering numbers of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, political imprisonments, and mass graves. This chaos that followed his removal allowed corruption and further human rights abuses to become entrenched within the system. Today, corrupt politicians, terrorists, and militias can all find their place within Iraq’s political framework.
Despite these challenges, the Iraqi people have remained steadfast in their aspirations for freedom, prosperity, and peace. They continue to believe that the values of acceptance and tolerance will ultimately prevail.
However, a troubling question frequently arises when I speak to Iraqis across the country: What is the point of democracy if it fails to bring about real change? Why participate in elections at any level if the system ultimately co-opts and neutralizes any genuine efforts for reform?
My resolute belief in democracy and its principles compelled me to accept the position of Prime Minister, despite initially declining the role in 2018. Over two years, I worked tirelessly to advance democratic ideals. However, I found that entrenched corruption and systemic abuses are deeply rooted problems, with no quick or easy solutions.
My political journey—from opposition and journalism to political activism, intelligence leadership, and ultimately the premiership—has been driven by a commitment to tackling these twin crises of corruption and human rights violations. As Prime Minister, I established the Permanent Committee for Investigating Corruption and Major Crimes, and while we made progress, external interference in Iraq’s political system remained a major obstacle. The depth of these problems rendered them insurmountable.
Today’s government in Baghdad faces the same challenges. However, it remains mired in unchecked corruption and regional entanglements that hinder its ability to govern with confidence and accountability. The passage of the Special Amnesty Law, which pardons convicted high-profile corrupt officials, further exacerbates the crisis.
The Iraqi people are being betrayed by systemic corruption and ongoing human rights abuses that prevent the flourishing of a truly free and democratic society. Iraq needs a transparent government with the authority and courage to investigate corruption, hold perpetrators accountable through an independent judiciary, and ensure its protection from political influence. Moreover, officials must not fear calling out and prosecuting militias and security forces responsible for human rights abuses. It is unacceptable for individuals in Iraq to be arbitrarily detained, tortured, or executed without fair trials. Such oppressive practices contradict the ideals upon which a free and prosperous Iraq can be built.
Iraqis deserve to live without fear and to enjoy the peace and dignity they have been denied for generations. A stronger society will emerge from these efforts. But Iraq is currently heading down a dangerous and uncertain path, with democratic ambitions systematically suppressed. We must therefore strive for a better future and work relentlessly to establish a democracy worthy of the immense sacrifices made for a free and prosperous Iraq.
