In accordance with the directives of the President of the University of Ninevah, Prof. Dr. Osama Ismail Al-Mashhadani, and with direct support from the Dean of the College of Law, Prof. Dr. Zeina Ghanem Al-Obaidi, and as part of the continuous efforts to spread legal awareness and promote a culture of tolerance and nonviolence,
The College of Law, in cooperation with the General Directorate for Combating Intellectual Terrorism – Nineveh Branch, organized an extensive discussion seminar entitled “The Legal Dimension of Combating Extremism and the Promotion of Hatred and Intolerance” on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
The seminar began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an and the reading of Al-Fatiha in memory of Iraq’s martyrs. This was followed by a speech delivered on behalf of the Dean of the College of Law, Prof. Dr. Zeina Ghanem Al-Obaidi, by the Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Khaldoun Fadel Ali, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the crucial academic role in reinforcing the principles of moderation and centrism. He pointed out that law represents a fundamental pillar in confronting extremist ideologies and drying up their sources through the implementation of relevant national and international legislations.
Sheikh Rami Al-Abbadi, Director of the Nineveh Branch of the General Directorate for Combating Intellectual Terrorism, also delivered a speech in which he highlighted the Directorate’s efforts in confronting extremist thought through awareness and educational campaigns and monitoring media activities that promote hatred. He stressed the importance of cooperation between security and academic institutions in building societal awareness that rejects all forms of intolerance.
The seminar included several research papers, namely:
1. “The Concept of Extremism, Hatred, and Intolerance, and the Religious and Legal Dimensions in Combating Them”, presented by Sheikh Abdulhakim Al-Badrani – General Directorate for Combating Intellectual Terrorism.
2. “The Impact of Extremism on the Individual and Society”, presented by Dr. Khaldoun Fadel Ali – Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
3. “The Legislative Basis for Combating Intellectual Terrorism in Iraq”, presented by Dr. Ammar Thamer Al-Banna’a – Head of the Private Law Department.
The discussion session witnessed an engaging dialogue among professors, students, representatives of official institutions, and members of civil society organizations. The discussion focused on the need to develop legislation, activate the role of educational institutions in promoting enlightened thought, and engage youth in intellectual awareness programs.
At the conclusion of the seminar, the participants came up with several key recommendations, including:
1. Strengthening cooperation between universities and specialized security agencies in combating extremist ideologies.
2. Incorporating topics of tolerance and rejection of hatred into educational curricula.
3. Enforcing laws related to hate crimes and incitement speech.
4. Supporting awareness campaigns aimed at promoting a culture of peace and coexistence.
Attendees praised the efforts exerted by the College of Law and the General Directorate for Combating Intellectual Terrorism in organizing this important academic event, recognizing its significant impact in unifying legal and intellectual perspectives to confront extremism in all its forms.
