Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has waged a fierce battle against corrupt officials, giving them two options: handing out the funds or face prison.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Abadi said the corrupt had to either hand out the stolen money – and maybe get an amnesty – or lose their money and spend the rest of their lives in prison. He said his warning was similar to the government’s action against ISIS in terms of asking the militants to surrender or die.
Local sources clarified that Abadi was hinting to a prominent businessman and contractor who gained dozens of investment and service projects via his contacts during the term of Nouri al-Maliki between 2006-2014.
Abadi has been stressing in the past months on “fighting corruption” as his next step after defeating ISIS.
Islamic Dawa Party, in a statement, revealed that party member Salah Abdel Razek was investigated and found guilty of corruption.
“I tendered my resignation before the secretary general of Islamic Dawa Party Nouri al-Maliki due to the delicate situation of the party as well as personal reasons. I pledge to remain loyal to Maliki’s patriotic approach," wrote Abdel Razek.
Islamic Dawa Party sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the decision to sack Abdel Razek preceded his resignation statement.
The sources asserted that the party is seeking to abolish corruption ahead of elections expected in May, signaling that the party intends to sack and hold accountable a number of members who occupy critical positions in Iraq.
Dawa Party's experience in the authority has severely impacted its reputation and led to frustration among the people, given that it keeps its grip over the highest executive authority in the country, meaning the premiership.
