Iraq Lowers Legal Age of Marriage for Girls to Nine

In a controversial move, Iraq's parliament has passed amendments to the country's personal status law, effectively lowering the legal age of marriage for girls to nine.

The changes grant Islamic courts greater authority over family matters, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

Some clerics interpret Islamic law to permit girls as young as nine to marry, sparking significant concern among human rights groups and activists.

Critics argue that this decision could have severe implications for the rights and well-being of women and girls in Iraq.