Baghdad Prosecutors Seek to Lift MP's Immunity Over Extortion Allegations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi prosecutors have asked parliament to lift the parliamentary immunity of lawmaker Hasenin Hafaci over allegations that he threatened a real estate developer to extort money and a share of a housing project. The Baghdad Karkh Court of Cassation sent a formal request to the Iraqi parliament stating that Hafaci demanded 40 percent of the Hura Baghdad Housing Project and $500,000 from the complainant, according to court documents. The court said the case file includes audio recordings and a confession from a detained suspect that support the complaint. Prosecutors invoked Article 11 of the Iraqi Penal Code in their request, asking parliament's permission to proceed with legal action against the lawmaker. The court asked parliament to initiate the process of lifting Hafaci's immunity. No further details were immediately available.