29/06/2026
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29/06/2026
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BAGHDAD, Jun 29: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has vowed that no government official accused of corruption will receive protection, pledging a wider campaign to recover stolen public funds.
Speaking during a Cabinet session on Monday, Zaidi said his government was engaged in a "battle against corruption" following the arrest of dozens of officials and lawmakers over alleged financial and administrative crimes.
"The people's money must return to its owners," Zaidi said, according to the Iraqi News Agency, adding that the crackdown represented only the "first round" of measures against corruption.
He stressed that any corrupt official within the government would not enjoy immunity and said he would continue defending public interests. Zaidi also said he did not intend to seek re-election.
The remarks came a day after Iraqi authorities announced the detention of suspects, including lawmakers and officials whose legal immunity had been lifted, following investigations linked to statements by detained Oil Ministry Undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili.
Al-Jumaili was arrested on June 2 over allegations involving financial and administrative corruption as well as illegal contracts.
Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said the amount of seized funds had risen to around $23 million. Authorities reported recovering about $12.7 million in cash, discovering 5 billion Iraqi dinars hidden on a farm, and freezing 70 properties, 21 luxury vehicles and gold jewellery weighing about three kilograms.
Zaidi also announced that Iraq would enter a new phase in which weapons would be restricted to state institutions, stressing that the use of force must remain the exclusive responsibility of the state.
