Iraqi Interior Ministry says 3,950 personnel face dismissal over corruption charges

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry has initiated legal action against 3,950 officers, members and employees accused of abuse of authority, bribery and administrative corruption, ministry spokesman Brigadier General Miqdad Miri said at a press conference at the ministry's headquarters in Baghdad on Wednesday. Miri said the personnel, drawn from various ministry units and departments, would be dismissed from internal security forces and security institutions and referred to competent courts for trial under Iraqi law. The Interior Ministry described financial and administrative corruption as a threat to the country equal in gravity to the threat of terrorism, according to the statement carried at the briefing. Miri said the ministry was pursuing the cases firmly to protect public resources and reinforce institutional discipline. The spokesman also told reporters that the security situation was fully stable and that Baghdad now ranks first among the world's safest capitals. He added that all security and service plans for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage — from border crossings to city centers — had been completed.