Basra journalists' union chief calls for public release of corruption files

BASRA, Iraq — The head of the Iraqi Journalists Union's Basra branch, Sadiq al-Ali, has demanded the public release of corruption files linked to projects in the southern oil-producing province. Al-Ali's comments come in response to remarks attributed to the head of the Diwan of Internal Oversight by member of parliament Abdulmir al-Miyahi, who said releasing the reports would "set the province on fire." Al-Ali said al-Miyahi must either prove the accuracy of the statements attributed to the oversight body's chief or accept political and legal responsibility for the claims. He added that if the remarks are accurate, they raise further questions about why the facts are being concealed from citizens, while if they are untrue, al-Miyahi should substantiate his allegations. Al-Ali said Basra has long paid the price of corruption through stalled projects, plundered resources and growing poverty, despite being one of Iraq's wealthiest provinces. He warned that keeping the files hidden would not safeguard stability but would instead allow graft to continue and erode public trust in state institutions. The union chief said anyone involved in corruption, regardless of rank or influence, should be referred to the courts. Al-Miyahi, a member of Parliament's Integrity Commission, had accused the Diwan of Internal Oversight of withholding Basra-related reports from legislative and oversight bodies.