Iraq PM appoints Fatma Hasan Menhil as acting head of Baghdad's Mansur municipality

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi on Thursday appointed Fatma Hasan Menhil as acting head of the Mansur municipality in Baghdad. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Menhil will serve a six-month term. The appointment comes as municipal authorities in several Iraqi provinces have faced corruption probes in recent months. The Iraqi Commission on Integrity has removed municipal officials and employees in various cities, notably in Dhi Qar, on charges of forgery, embezzlement and theft of public property. Officials have framed the municipal reshuffles as part of efforts to address vacancies left by those removals. The Prime Minister's Office said the Menhil appointment was made to ensure administrative continuity in Mansur. Menhil is set to begin her duties at the head of the Baghdad district for the next six months. No further details on the appointment were immediately available.