Iraq Political Council backs anti-corruption campaign, calls for impartial enforcement

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Political Council expressed full support for the country's anti-corruption drive at a meeting in Baghdad chaired by council head Hidham al-Hanjir. The session was also attended by the Speaker of Parliament and leaders of several political parties and alliances, according to the council's statement. In its closing statement, the council praised coordination among the executive, legislative and judicial branches and described the recovery of public assets and the accountability of those responsible as non-negotiable national priorities. Participants also said recent practical steps in tracking corruption cases represent progress in protecting public property and upholding the rule of law. The council said the law must be applied to all suspects without discrimination and kept free of political motives. It called for weapons to remain solely in the hands of the state and for no armed formations to operate outside constitutional institutions. The meeting comes as Prime Minister Ali Salih al-Ali al-Zaidi announced a broad arrest campaign aimed at recovering public resources and holding all responsible parties accountable. The council urged the government to be completed in line with constitutional principles.