In a surprising turn of events, the Baghdad Criminal Court has ordered the release of Ahmed Hamdawi Oued al-Kenani, the convicted killer of prominent Iraqi journalist and political analyst Hisham al-Hashemi. Al-Kenani, a security officer, had been sentenced to death by the same court in May, but is now walking free due to what the court cited as a lack of evidence.

According to legal sources, the court's decision was made in secret and cited insufficient evidence to uphold the charges against al-Kenani. Despite his previous confessions, the court found the evidence unsubstantiated, leading to the dismissal of all charges against him. Al-Kenani, who had been arrested following al-Hashemi's assassination in July 2020, faced no other charges in any other case, further contributing to the court's decision to release him.

Hisham al-Hashemi, known for his expertise in extremist ideology and terrorist groups, was fatally shot in front of his residence in Baghdad's Zayouna area on July 6, 2020. His death sent shockwaves through Iraq, with many activists and observers accusing Iranian-backed militias, operating within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), of orchestrating his assassination. Al-Hashemi had reportedly expressed concerns to confidants about potential targeting by such militia groups in the weeks leading up to his death.

The release of al-Kenani has reignited debates surrounding the pursuit of justice for al-Hashemi's murder and the influence of Iranian-aligned militias in Iraqi affairs. Critics argue that the court's decision reflects broader challenges in holding accountable those responsible for violence and intimidation against critics of Iranian intervention in Iraq.

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi had previously pledged to capture and bring al-Hashemi's killers to justice. Al-Kadhimi announced the sentencing of al-Kenani to death on July 16, 2021, signaling a milestone in the investigation into al-Hashemi's assassination. However, with al-Kenani's release, questions arise regarding the adequacy of the evidence presented during the trial and the efficacy of the judicial process in addressing politically motivated crimes in Iraq.

The controversy surrounding the release of al-Kenani underscores the challenges Iraq faces in navigating complex political dynamics and ensuring accountability in cases of violence against journalists and political observers. As Iraqi authorities continue to grapple with these issues, the quest for justice in al-Hashemi's murder remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for stability and democracy in the country.