Iraq's National Security Service Executes Convicted Murderer of Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr

INA

Convict Saadoun Sabri al-Qaisi.

Iraq's National Security Service (NSS) announced on Monday the execution by hanging of Saadoun Sabri al-Qaisi, who was convicted for his role in the murder of martyr Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr.

Arshad al-Hakim, spokesperson for the NSS, told Iraq’s state media (INA) that the sentence was carried out following extensive investigation and intelligence work, and after all legal procedures had been completed.

Al-Hakim said the convicted man was found guilty of committing grave crimes against humanity, including involvement in the assassination of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, crimes against members of the Hakim family, and the killing of numerous innocent civilians. He noted that the verdict was issued under Articles 12 and 15 of the Iraqi High Criminal Court Law No. 10 of 2005, in conjunction with Article 406/1/A of the Iraqi Penal Code.

The arrest of al-Qaisi was announced by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani on 31 January 2025, as part of a wider crackdown on criminal figures linked to the former regime and responsible for the martyrdom of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr and the deaths of thousands of Iraqis, including in the Kurdistan Region.

According to reports, al-Qaisi, a former brigadier general, confessed to personally carrying out the execution of Sayyid al-Sadr and his sister, Alawiya Bint al-Huda. He also admitted to involvement in mass executions of political opponents affiliated with the Islamic Dawa Party, including civilians buried in mass graves in Fallujah and Jisr Diyala, members of the Hakim family, and others from different parts of the country.

It is worth noting that a competent criminal court issued death sentences on 30 June 2025 against al-Qaisi and Haitham Abdul Aziz after their involvement in the execution of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, his sister, and a number of innocent citizens during the former regime was proven.

Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr was widely known for his support of the Kurdish people and their struggle to achieve legitimate rights. He was also recognised for his public defence of the Kurds against injustice, particularly during the era of Saddam Hussein. In this context, Iraqi figures have recalled the historic stance of the al-Sadr family, including the 1965 fatwa issued by Imam Sayyid Muhsin al-Hakim prohibiting fighting the Kurdish people, which is seen as a key moment in reinforcing national unity and coexistence in Iraq.


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