Baghdad court sentences former PM sports adviser to one year in prison

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Baghdad's Karkh Criminal Court has sentenced Khalid Abdulwahid Kabian, a former sports adviser to the prime minister, to one year in simple imprisonment on charges of misappropriating public funds and causing deliberate damage. Judicial sources said the verdict followed the completion of investigation and trial proceedings, with the court determining that the defendant had abused his position and used financial resources outside the legal framework. According to the sources, the case file contained financial irregularities that had drawn attention within sports and administrative circles. The court ruled that the available evidence established the defendant's guilt on the charges brought against him. Officials said the verdict is part of broader proceedings in Iraqi courts examining financial and administrative corruption cases within state institutions. They added that the judiciary would continue pursuing individuals implicated in corruption and working to recover public resources. The case, officials noted, has again placed the issue of transparency in sports institutions and the judiciary's role in financial oversight in focus. No further details were immediately available on whether the verdict would be appealed.