Baghdad Education Official Sentenced to 4 Years for Bribery

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi court has sentenced the general director of the Education Directorate in Baghdad's Karkh district to four years in prison on bribery charges, according to the Federal Anti-Corruption Authority. The Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court found the official guilty of accepting a $50,000 bribe. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of 10 million dinars. The authority said the director used his position to attempt to close investigation commissions and maintain a school principal in his post. The case proceeded under Decree No. 160 of 1983 and its amendments. The investigation began when anti-corruption officials detained an intermediary attempting to solicit a bribe in late March. Following the mediator's identification, authorities issued an arrest warrant for the director, leading to trial and conviction. No further details were immediately available.