Iraq Ministry of Construction denies reports of deputy minister's arrest

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Construction, Housing and Municipalities on Saturday denied reports circulating on news websites and social media that Administrative and Financial Deputy Minister Matin Chadirchi had been arrested, calling the claims baseless. In a written statement, the ministry said the detention allegations did not reflect the truth and warned that any media outlet, social media account or individual involved in spreading the report would face legal action for defamation. The ministry said it supports the government's anti-corruption efforts and urged media organizations to rely on official sources and verify the accuracy of stories before publication. It added that legal proceedings would be pursued against any reporting aimed at misleading the public or damaging state institutions. No further details were immediately available.