UNESCO and the Iraqi Judiciary Train Freedom of Expression Judges on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Processes

Baghdad – UNESCO Iraq Office concluded an intensive training course for judges of publication and media courts from Baghdad and other provinces, focusing on the ethical and legal use of artificial intelligence in Iraqi courts. The course was held at the Judicial Development Institute, with the participation of judges from various courts in Baghdad and the provinces, excluding the Kurdistan region.

This training is part of the "Breaking the Silence" project, which aims to enhance governmental accountability and judicial procedures to protect journalists and combat impunity in its second phase, funded by the Dutch Embassy in Iraq.

The training covered essential topics related to "smart courts," legal text analysis, crime prediction, decision-making, judicial management, and how these stages can be implemented using artificial intelligence. UNESCO also presented global models of courts that rely on artificial intelligence, as well as examples of smart courts.

The training also included discussions on crimes committed using or with the help of artificial intelligence and how Iraqi courts could address them. Additionally, there was a dedicated session on freedom of expression standards and issues related to journalism and media, led by Judge Amer Hassan of the Baghdad Publication Court.

The course concluded with a set of recommendations to advance the Iraqi judiciary's path in the field of artificial intelligence, alongside promoting freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. The recommendations emphasized the prominent role expected to be played by the Iraqi Freedom of Expression Judges Council, which comprises 39 judges, positioning it as a leading model in the Arab region, North Africa, and East Asia.