Iraqi lawmaker says exam leak inquiry under way, schools suspended

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi lawmaker Besim al-Garrabi said on Thursday that he had met with the Education Minister to discuss measures aimed at safeguarding exam transparency and protecting students' rights, including allegations of leaked test booklets and questions. During the meeting, the minister received a formal parliamentary question from al-Garrabi seeking clarification on the alleged leaks and steps being taken to address them. The two sides agreed to establish a specialist committee to investigate the matter and hold accountable anyone found responsible for irregularities during the exam process. The Education Ministry also ordered the temporary suspension of operations at one school identified in connection with information that warranted investigation, according to al-Garrabi. The ministry pledged that exam questions would be drawn solely from the official curriculum and that final-year students would not be placed at a disadvantage. Al-Garrabi said the file would be followed up through both legislative and oversight channels to ensure equal opportunity for students. The high school baccalaureate end-of-year exams are scheduled to begin on Saturday.