Coalition Leader Says al-Jumaili Arrest Part of Disinformation Campaign

SALADIN, Iraq — Baha al-Araji, a leader of the Construction and Development Coalition, has claimed that allegations surrounding the arrest of former Petroleum Ministry Undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili constitute a systematic disinformation campaign driven by political motives. Al-Araji denied assertions that Jumaili was nominated by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stating the appointment was made by former Petroleum Minister Hayyan Abdul-Ghani in accordance with administrative and constitutional procedures within the ministry. According to the source, al-Sudani was among the first officials to order inspections by regulatory bodies and anti-corruption units after identifying irregularities in contracts and procedures related to the Baiji Refinery. Political observers have warned that the case risks shifting from a judicial matter to a vehicle for political settling of scores. They have called for the file to be resolved solely by judicial authorities based on evidence.