Iraqi PM vows no immunity for corrupt officials after arrests

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi vowed on Monday that his government will grant "no immunity for any corrupt person," pledging to recover stolen public funds one day after authorities detained dozens of officials and lawmakers in a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown.

'First round' of anti-graft campaign

Speaking during a Cabinet session in Baghdad, Zaidi described the ongoing offensive against graft as a "first round" that will be followed by further measures targeting malfeasance across state institutions. "The government is waging a battle against corruption," he said, adding that "the people's money must return to its owners." He stressed that he would "not remain silent over any mistake or hesitate to defend the interests of the people," according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Asset seizures and arrests

The prime minister's remarks came after Iraqi authorities announced on Sunday the detention of multiple suspects in financial and administrative corruption cases, including parliamentarians whose immunity had been lifted. The arrests followed confessions obtained from Oil Ministry Undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili, who was detained on June 2 over suspicions of illegal contracts and embezzlement. The Supreme Judicial Council said the total amount of money seized had risen to approximately $23 million, alongside the discovery of 5 billion dinars hidden inside a farm and the freezing of 70 properties, 21 vehicles and roughly 3 kilograms of gold jewelry.

Disarmament pledge

Zaidi also announced that Iraq will enter a new phase in which weapons would be limited exclusively to state forces. "Any corrupt official inside the government will not enjoy any immunity," he added, noting that he does not intend to seek re-election. The crackdown marks one of the most aggressive anti-corruption drives in recent years as Baghdad seeks to assert central authority over state resources and security apparatus.