Integrity Chief got no tegridy

 Haider Hanoun has been removed from his position as head of Iraq's Commission of Integrity amid serious corruption allegations. The announcement came during a Cabinet session on Tuesday, where Hanoun was reassigned as an advisor to the Ministry of Justice, citing his legal experience. The move coincided with his court appearance to face multiple charges.

The Integrity Commission is tasked with overseeing anti-corruption efforts in Iraq, and whilst there have been some successes, this event causes a credibility crisis.

In early October, the Karkh Court issued an arrest warrant for Hanoun on the basis of audio evidence suggesting he accepted bribes. The charges, stemming from September investigations ordered by Supreme Judicial Council head Faiq Zidan, led to a “second” arrest warrant earlier this month when Hanoun failed to turn up to court.

Hanoun faces three separate legal charges. An additional two cases are scheduled for the Karkh Criminal Court on Wednesday with allegations, supported by substantial evidence that should result in a prison sentence.

There is also controversy around Hanoun’s involvement in a land dispute case linked to the Real Estate Registration Directorate in Maysan. His dismissal represents a significant moment in Iraq’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, a central focus of Prime Minister al-Sudani's administration since taking office.