Iraqi lawmaker says new list prepared to lift immunity of MPs in corruption cases

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi parliament member Dhuha al-Sedhan said on Monday that a list has been prepared to lift the parliamentary immunity of new members of parliament in the coming period. She said the parliament has refused to reach political settlements with individuals accused of corruption. In a statement, al-Sedhan said new names would be included in the second phase of the government's "Fajr Operation" anti-corruption campaign. She stressed that the campaign should not be limited to low-level figures and must also target major corruption cases. Al-Sedhan said the Iraqi public expects accountability from those she described as corruption barons accused of stealing billions of dollars. She warned that a settlement approach would make future corruption easier by shielding those responsible from prosecution after stealing public funds. The Fajr Operation, launched by the current government, has gained public and political support following the arrest of officials in the executive branch and MPs accused of corruption. Investigations into those individuals are continuing, with no further details immediately available.