In line with the directives of the President of the University of Nineveh, Prof. Dr. Osama Ismail Al-Mashhadani, and with the direct support of the Dean of the College of Law, Prof. Dr. Zina Ghanem Al-Ubaidi, and as part of ongoing efforts to promote legal awareness, foster a culture of tolerance, and reject violence, the College of Law held an extensive panel discussion today, Wednesday, 5/11/2025, in cooperation with the General Directorate for Countering Ideological Terrorism – Nineveh Branch, titled: “The Legal Dimension of Countering Extremism, Hate Speech, and Intolerance.”
The event opened with recitation from the Holy Qur’an and Al-Fatiha in memory of the martyrs of Iraq, followed by a welcoming speech delivered on behalf of the Dean by the Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Khaldoun Fadel Ali. He welcomed the attendees and emphasized the vital role of academia in promoting moderation and balance, noting that the law constitutes a fundamental pillar in confronting extremist ideology by enforcing relevant national and international legislation.
The Director of the Nineveh Branch of the General Directorate for Countering Ideological Terrorism, Sheikh Rami Al-Ubadi, also delivered a speech highlighting the directorate’s efforts to combat extremist thinking through awareness and educational campaigns, as well as monitoring media activities that promote hatred. He stressed the importance of cooperation between security institutions and academic bodies in building a community aware of the dangers of intolerance.
The panel discussion featured several research papers, including:
- “The Concept of Extremism, Hatred, and Intolerance and the Religious and Legal Dimensions of Combating Them”
Presented by Sheikh Abdul-Hakim Al-Badrani / General Directorate for Countering Ideological Terrorism. - “The Impact of Extremism on the Individual and Society”
Presented by Dr. Khaldoun Fadel Ali / Assistant Dean for Administrative and Financial Affairs. - “The Legislative Basis for Combating Ideological Terrorism in Iraq”
Presented by Dr. Ammar Thamer Al-Binnaa / Head of the Private Law Department.
The session included an interactive discussion among faculty members, students, and attendees representing government institutions and civil society organizations. The dialogue focused on the necessity of developing legislation, activating the role of educational institutions in spreading enlightened thought, and engaging youth in awareness programs.
At the conclusion of the event, participants issued several key recommendations, including:
- Strengthening cooperation between universities and the security agencies responsible for combating extremist ideology.
- Incorporating topics of tolerance and rejection of hatred into educational curricula.
- Enforcing laws related to hate crimes and incitement.
- Supporting awareness campaigns aimed at promoting a culture of peace and coexistence.
Attendees praised the efforts of the College of Law and the General Directorate for Countering Ideological Terrorism for organizing this significant academic event, recognizing its positive impact in unifying legal and intellectual perspectives on combating extremism in all its forms.