Iraq lawmaker says no red lines in parliament's corruption review

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Iraq's parliamentary immunity committee said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi's anti-corruption campaign has political, public and judicial backing, and that the committee has no red lines in handling corruption files. Lawmaker Duhan al-Kasir said the commission's priority cases include completing the so-called "Theft of the Century" case, opening electricity-sector files, and reviewing service and regional development budgets. Al-Kasir told reporters that some state tenders recorded purchases at up to three times the actual value, while the cost of certain projects was logged at up to five times the real figure, with some contract terms tailored to specific companies. He said the electricity file review must cover every period and political grouping without exception, and accountability should apply to anyone found responsible regardless of political affiliation. The lawmaker said the committee has not encountered any red lines in its work, adding that it relies on Federal Financial Audit Office reports and has forwarded evidence and data to the Federal Integrity Commission, the body with investigative authority. He also described the lifting of parliamentary immunity for lawmakers and the pursuit of officials as significant developments under procedures launched by parliament.