Iraq's anti-corruption chief visits Kirkuk office, vows no impunity

KIRKUK, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Lamie, met with officials and staff at the commission's investigation office in Kirkuk, the commission said in a statement. Lamie said public property is a trust belonging to all citizens and that any encroachment on it amounts to an assault on Iraqis' rights. He praised the Kirkuk office's teams for their work in the commission's anti-corruption operations and described Kirkuk as a city reflecting Iraq's diversity, calling for a joint effort to safeguard public resources and promote integrity. Lamie said the commission will continue to support its staff but will show no tolerance for negligence or laxity in duty. The commission chief said the institution's only tool is the law, and that coordination with the legislative, executive and judicial branches, backed by public support, has ended the perception of impunity. He said that as long as operations remain within the law, there are no red lines or immunities shielding any act of corruption from accountability, beyond protecting targeted individuals or preventing the disruption of services and development. The meeting also reviewed proposals to improve the investigation office's working methods, discussed removing obstacles faced by inquiry teams, and addressed ways to strengthen cooperation with relevant government departments, the statement added.