Additionally, around 700 members of Shi'ite militias, previously convicted of terrorism and arrested by U.S. forces from 2004 to 2008, are also eligible for benefits under this legislation.

Sunni lawmaker Raad al-Dahlaki clarified that while the law facilitates retrials, it does not guarantee immediate releases, as the courts will ultimately decide the outcomes of these requests.

Sunni lawmakers estimate that at least 30,000 Sunni prisoners, many linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, could seek retrials under this new law.

The Iraqi parliament has passed a significant amnesty law aimed at alleviating the severe overcrowding in prisons, which currently house around 67,000 inmates, far exceeding their capacity of 25,000.

In a related move, the parliament also passed an amendment to the personal status law, allowing Iraqi Muslims to choose between Sunni or Shi'ite sharia laws for personal matters, which has sparked fears of increased sectarian divisions.

This new legislation may lead to the release of thousands of prisoners, including those convicted of attacks on U.S. soldiers and members of ISIS.

Under the amnesty law, prisoners convicted of various crimes, including terrorism leading to murder or disability, manslaughter, and vandalism, can request retrials if they claim their confessions were coerced.

However, concerns have been raised by critics, including Sarah Sanbar from Human Rights Watch, who warn that this amendment could exacerbate existing sectarian tensions in Iraq.

Abul Karim al-Mohammedawi, head of the parliament's security committee, emphasized the importance of releasing those who fought against U.S. forces, referring to them as heroes deserving recognition.

The amnesty law applies not only to those already convicted but also to individuals currently under investigation or trial, including provisions for reviewing death sentences.

In addition, the parliament approved a law supported by Kurdish lawmakers to restore farmlands confiscated before 2003 to their original Kurdish owners.