Iraq anti-corruption court says blackmail attempts detected in Jumailey case

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's anti-corruption court has identified attempts to blackmail judges and staff handling a case against former lawmaker Ahmad al-Jumailey, the court said in a statement. It said correspondence involving pressure and threats directed at members of the investigating judicial panel had come to light during the proceedings. The court said individuals tried to interfere with the case by making offers and issuing threats in order to manipulate the file, adding that any such effort to undermine judicial independence is unacceptable. It stressed that the judiciary must be protected in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation. According to the statement, legal proceedings will be brought against those involved in the blackmail and intimidation, and the matter has been referred to the relevant authorities. The court said the judicial process will be completed without external interference and that those responsible will be held accountable under the law.