简体中文
As Iraqi forces move into the final stages of the battle to capture Mosul from ISIL, a city ravaged by nine months of war is being left behind -- as well as claims for compensation reviewed by a judicial system under huge strain.
A four-bedroom house has been turned into a courthouse dispensing justice for a city of three million people, and claimants arrive early to make their case.
Ismail Ahmed is one of the many waiting outside. He's seeking government compensation to cover his medical expenses after shrapnel from a bomb detonated by ISIL militants went through his body damaging his tissues and leaving him scarred – and in need.
Inside the crowded courthouse, people queued to see the judges. A mother waited with her injured daughter, whose feet was lost to an ISIL mortar.
Without compensation, she can't afford the treatment her daughter needs, but despite the suffering, she is not driven by vengeance.
This court is not just for the victims of violence, the perpetrators are on trial too, as CGTN's Tony Cheng reports.
Documents listing the charges and evidence against them are prepared for the judge. In prison fatigues and facing the wall, some are accused of joining ISIL.
If allegations are true, they would face capital punishment in Baghdad – but not before pleading their innocence one last time with the help of a defense lawyer.
(CGTN)
