Iraq to Seize Assets of Saddam Hussein, his Aides

Saddam Hussein testifies at his trial in Baghdad on June 12, 2006 (Jacob Silberberg/Reuters)

The Commission for Accountability and Justice in Iraq completed the implementation of Law no. 72 issued by the Parliament in 2017, which stipulates the confiscation and seizure of financial assets and property of late President Saddam Hussein and his relatives, 52 senior officials from his former regime, and over 4,000 ex-ministers and officials of the Baath party.
 
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission said it had completed the list of the persons and officials who are subject to Law no. 72, calling on the Iraqi government to confiscate and seize the financial assets and property of over 4,200 former ministers and officials of the dissolved Baath party and assets that might be in the hands of their close relatives.
 
Saddam’s name appeared at the top of the list, which is also said to include his children, grandchildren and relatives.
 
Meanwhile, some Iraqi figures have voiced concern that the seized assets would fall in the hands of influential political groups and real estate networks, instead of passing to state ownership.
 
In this regard, MP Meshaan Jubouri told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Corrupt people have gained access to everything in the country, including all the country’s capabilities, such as oil. Since 2003, this class has seized state properties. So, its control over the funds of the former regime is not ruled out.”
 
According to Jubouri, “the list issued by the Accountability Commission on the members of the former regime is correct, although it might have been unfair to some figures, including former Minister of Commerce Mohammed Mahdi Saleh and Defense Minister Saadi Tomeh al-Jubouri, because they were not known for aggressive behavior or excess in public money spending when they were in power.”
 
The seizure of assets and properties covers real estate, cars, bank accounts, and other funds.