Iraqi public statement calls for ethics and accountability from public officials

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A published statement addressed to Iraqi citizens argued that public officials and members of the public should be judged solely on their conduct and sustained work, regardless of their profession or affiliations. The author pointed to a gap between image and reality, saying some officials are perceived as religious, just or faithful by the public while their conscience and actions show the opposite. The text said the name of Hussein should be represented through honesty, justice and faithful stewardship of public trust rather than through slogans. It added that those who betray the trust cannot represent Hussein, regardless of their identity, and that deceiving the public and stealing public money constitute a separate offense. In its conclusion, the statement called for those who use love of Ahl al-Bayt to cover up their corruption to be punished under aggravated circumstances. No further details on authorship or institutional backing were provided.