Characteristics of public property

Public property under Iraqi law is characterized by a number of legal characteristics, the most prominent of which are:

Non-disposability and non-seizability: Public property may not be sold, mortgaged, or disposed of, and it may not be seized pursuant to a judicial decision.

Non-prescription: Ownership of public property cannot be acquired, regardless of the length of time it has been in possession.

Collective usufruct: Public property is designated for the benefit of the public, not for a specific group or individual.

Article 6 of the State Property Management Law states that “funds designated for the benefit of the public are considered public property and may not be owned, disposed of, or restricted except in accordance with the law.”