Includes core keywords: Iraq, anti‑corruption, PM, arrests, Bar Association

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Iraqi Bar Association issued a firm statement on Sunday declaring its full support for Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi’s sweeping anti‑corruption campaign, while making it clear that it will not provide legal defence to any individuals charged with corruption. The move comes as at least 47 senior politicians and lawmakers have been detained in a series of overnight raids across Baghdad.

In a strongly worded release, the association said: “Our ethical duty toward the country requires that we do not allow our hands to become stained by defending money taken from the people’s livelihood and the nation’s resources.” The statement added that the association is closely monitoring the arrests and investigations, describing them as a serious step toward fighting corruption and rebuilding public trust in state institutions.

“These actions reflect a genuine will to restore the authority of the state and consolidate the principle of the rule of law,” the association said.

Iraqi state media confirmed on Sunday that 47 high‑level officials and members of parliament, including Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al‑Samarrai, were detained in the operations. The raids were carried out by elite Iraqi security forces that entered the heavily fortified Green Zone overnight, imposing a lockdown as part of what officials called a “major anti‑corruption push” launched under recently appointed Prime Minister Zaidi.

While reaffirming every defendant’s right to legal representation and a fair defence, the Bar Association stressed that it stands behind the judiciary, the government, the integrity commission, and security agencies in pursuing corruption cases and enforcing the law. It also pledged full support for legal efforts aimed at recovering embezzled public funds and holding accountable those responsible.

The association warned that the campaign’s success depends on its continuation to the very end: “The success of this campaign depends on its continuation until the end and not stopping at specific limits or names.”

First‑of‑its‑Kind Crackdown Since 2003

Security expert Fadel Abu Ragheef described the operation to state media as “the first campaign of its kind launched by an Iraqi prime minister since 2003,” adding that it enjoys “clear support from the judiciary.” He said the wave of arrests “will be a deterrent to anyone who dares to steal public funds,” and asserted that Prime Minister Zaidi “is determined to recover the looted funds and return them to the public treasury.”

Prominent Figures Detained

Among those arrested in the overnight operations were controversial lawmakers Mohammed al‑Karbouli, Ziad al‑Janabi, Hind al‑Abbasi, Mudhar al‑Karawi, and former Wasit governor Mohammed Jamil al‑Mayahi. Additionally, Oil Ministry undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al‑Bahadli and Ibrahim al‑Sumaidaie, a senior advisor to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al‑Sudani, were also taken into custody.

Recent Corruption Cases Fuel the Crackdown

The latest arrests come on the heels of several high‑profile corruption scandals that have surfaced in recent months. In May, former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al‑Jumaili was arrested over an alleged embezzlement scheme involving more than $85 million. Earlier this month, Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission revealed the embezzlement of nearly two billion Iraqi dinars from Diyala’s electricity directorate, leading to the dismissal of four senior officials.

Despite repeated government pledges to tackle graft, Iraq remains ranked 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index – a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge facing Prime Minister Zaidi’s administration.

Reported by Picrz.com News Desk
Editorial Team: Picrz Editors
Published: June 29, 2026