Former Iraqi lawmaker denies reports of arrest warrant over blackmail allegation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Former Iraqi parliament member Kazim al-Sayyadi has denied reports that an arrest warrant was issued against him on a blackmail charge, saying he is in Iraq and ready to appear before the judiciary if any official decision is issued. In a statement, al-Sayyadi said the allegations were unfounded and amounted to politically motivated rumors, rejecting the blackmail accusation as untrue. The denial comes amid broader social media speculation that he could face legal action as part of the Iraqi government's recent anti-corruption drive. On June 28, the government launched a campaign dubbed "Operation Sulaiman Shafak," aimed at recovering public funds, which has so far included the detention of political officials, former lawmakers and business figures in what officials described as a first phase. Government sources said legal procedures for the campaign's second phase, covering corruption files in the Health, Oil and Electricity ministries, have been completed. The new phase includes tracking domestic and foreign assets, preparing additional suspect lists and enforcing stricter measures to protect the confidentiality of investigations, according to the sources. The government also said it is reviewing a draft law referred to as the "Where Did This Come From?" legislation. Iraq's Commission of Integrity stated that arrest warrants are carried out under judicial oversight and that efforts to pursue those responsible and recover public resources are continuing. No further details were immediately available on the status of al-Sayyadi's case.