Iraq arrests ex-municipality officials over alleged state land encroachment in Dhi Qar

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission has issued arrest warrants against the former director of the Al-Hidr district municipality in Dhi Qar province, his predecessor and four municipal employees on charges of encroaching on state land, the commission said in a statement. The warrants were issued as part of an ongoing investigation, and judicial procedures have been initiated to take the suspects into custody. The commission said it would pursue violations involving public property and coordinate with the judiciary on similar cases. According to the statement, the former municipal leadership is alleged to have permitted or turned a blind eye to the unlawful use of public real estate. Further details on the investigation and the identities of the suspects are expected to be clarified as the judicial process advances. The case has revived discussion over oversight of local government administration in Dhi Qar.