Sarah Sanbar, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticizes a proposed law in Iraq that aims to lower the legal age of consent from 18 to 9 years, allowing men to marry very young girls. This amendment, supported by conservative Shiite parties, would also strip women of divorce rights, child custody, and inheritance. The law 188, established in 1959, is currently the most progressive in the Middle East, allowing women to divorce. Despite previous attempts to modify this law failing due to protests, the current political climate is more favorable for the amendment. UNICEF reports that 28% of Iraqi women are married before 18, often due to religious leaders exploiting legal loopholes. Shaima, a divorced woman, shares her traumatic experience of being sold into marriage. The proposed amendment could legalize such unions, increasing the risk of violence against young girls. Athraa Al Hassani, an Iraqi lawyer, emphasizes the need for progress rather than regression, highlighting Iraq's historical achievements in women's rights. Protests occurred in Baghdad following the announcement of the law. Teljes cikk (LeFigaro)