Iraq to issue arrest warrants for over 50 former officials, lawmaker says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) lawmaker said Iraqi authorities will issue arrest warrants for more than 50 former officials accused of corruption and embezzlement of public funds. Vafa Mohammed said the warrants will cover former ministers, deputy ministers, directors, military officers and both current and former members of parliament who served in multiple governments. Mohammed said legal proceedings will move forward once parliamentary immunity is lifted for those named in the cases. He told reporters the arrest warrants are expected to be formally issued in the coming days. The lawmaker added that political pressure has been brought to bear in an effort to halt the process. According to Mohammed, the list of names under investigation will be released to the public in the near future. No further details on the specific allegations or individuals were immediately available.