Iraq conducts secret interrogations in Operation Storm, bans detainee contact

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi authorities are interrogating suspects detained under Operation Storm, including current and former members of parliament and senior officials, under a strict secrecy order, government sources said. Specialized teams drawn from the Federal Integrity Commission and the anti-corruption court are conducting the questioning, according to the sources. Detainees have been barred from receiving visitors, including those from political parties and public figures, and from contacting lawyers or obtaining legal representation. Officials said the blackout would remain in place until the case file is cleared, citing concerns that suspects could flee abroad, evidence could be concealed or the investigation could otherwise be disrupted if statements leak. The inquiry is examining files linked to the Health, Oil and Electricity ministries, as well as assets allegedly tied to officials in the United States, Europe and Turkey, the sources said. No further details on the scope of the investigation or potential charges were immediately available.