Faiq Zaidan: Attacks on Diplomatic Missions Constitute Serious Crimes Under International Law

Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council

Faiq Zaidan, President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq.

Faiq Zaidan, President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, reaffirmed that any attack targeting diplomatic missions in Iraq constitutes a serious crime affecting the international order and may expose the state to international accountability, including potential political or economic sanctions or even isolation.

In an article published by the council, Zaidan explained that diplomatic missions — including embassies, consulates, ambassadors’ residences and associated property — represent a state in another state and they play a central role in strengthening political, economic and cultural relations between nations.

He noted that such missions are granted special protection under international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, adding that any attack against them constitutes a grave violation with far-reaching consequences.

Zaidan further stated that attacks on diplomatic missions include acts such as sabotage, threats, physical assaults, or obstruction of their work. He emphasised that the impact of such crimes extends beyond material or human losses, potentially damaging relations between states and leading to severe diplomatic crises or even the severing of ties.

He highlighted that international law upholds the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, obliging host states to take all necessary measures to protect them from harm or intrusion, noting that entry to mission premises is strictly prohibited without the consent of the head of mission, reflecting the importance of safeguarding sovereignty between states.

Zaidan explained that “the seriousness of attacks on diplomatic missions also lies in their clear violation of international law, which exposes any state that fails to provide protection to international accountability. Such a state may face political or economic sanctions, or even international isolation as a result of failing to fulfil its obligations.”

Within the Iraqi legal framework, he noted that such acts are criminalised under the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which classifies attacks on diplomatic missions as offences affecting the state’s external security and international relations, which may disrupt ties with other countries. "This is in addition to relevant special legislation and international obligations ratified by Iraq."

He added that the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005 also addresses such offences, with Article 2(6) designating attacks on embassies and diplomatic entities as acts of terrorism punishable by death.

Zaidan concluded that these provisions reflect Iraq’s commitment to protecting national security, upholding international obligations, and deterring attacks on diplomatic missions due to their serious implications for both the state and the wider international community.



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