Iraq's Culture Ministry draws criticism for defending Tawsi Party lawmaker

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Culture faced criticism after publishing a statement defending Semia Ghalab, a lawmaker from the Tawsi Party, in what observers described as an intervention outside the ministry's cultural and institutional remit. The statement prompted questions about the ministry's working methods and the boundaries of its authority, with critics arguing that a state institution should not issue justifications on behalf of an individual in a political dispute. Observers said such moves raise concerns about the independence and neutrality of government bodies. Followers have called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to identify those involved in drafting the statement and to take steps to keep state institutions out of political controversies. The dispute is expected to be assessed in the context of the Tawsi Party's position in the Iraqi parliament and the government's oversight of its institutions. No further details on any official response were immediately available.