Najaf court sentences man to three six-year terms for impersonating judicial officials

NAJAF, Iraq — The Najaf Felony Court sentenced a man to three separate six-year prison terms for impersonating members of the judicial authority, according to the media office of the Supreme Judicial Council. The defendant was found guilty of falsely claiming to be a judicial official in the offices of the council's president and the Cabinet-linked Central Anti-Corruption Committee. The court said the man used the false identity to demand money from individuals facing legal proceedings on corruption charges, telling them he could have the cases dismissed. The rulings were issued under articles 1 and 2 of the first clause of regulation No. 160 of 1983. According to the council's statement, the defendant attempted to manipulate judicial proceedings under the false title and sought financial gain in the process. The sentences form part of sanctions applied against individuals who try to influence the course of corruption cases. The statement added that legal action will continue against anyone who misuses the identity of judicial bodies.