Iraq court sentences former deputy oil minister to seven years in prison

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi court has sentenced Ali Muarich, a former deputy oil minister, to seven years in prison along with a financial penalty on charges of corruption and misuse of public funds. The court found him guilty of abusing his position and causing damage to state assets. According to the case file, irregularities were identified in several contracts and tender procedures carried out during his tenure at the ministry. The court said Muarich was tried within a broader investigation opened after his removal from office and that his defense was heard during the proceedings. The ruling also noted that parties may exercise their right to appeal if the verdict is not finalized. The case forms part of a series of corruption trials targeting senior Iraqi public officials, reflecting ongoing judicial scrutiny of high-level graft allegations in the country.