Baghdad Court Seeks Parliament Approval to Prosecute Lawmaker

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A court in Baghdad has asked parliament to lift the immunity of a sitting lawmaker so that legal proceedings can begin against him. The Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigation Court in Karkh is seeking permission to prosecute Hasnin Kasım Muhammed el-Hafaci based on a complaint filed by Mustafa Fiil Muştet. The complainant alleges that el-Hafaci pressured him to register a 40 percent share in the Hurra Baghdad Housing Project in the lawmaker's name. Investigators say Enver Sabah Abed Sadık, who was previously removed from his position, worked in el-Hafaci's office and attempted to close the case with official institutions. The court is invoking Article 63 of the constitution, which requires approval from the parliament speaker and his deputies before a lawmaker can be prosecuted. The request cites provisions from criminal law and a 1983 decision.