Iraqi MP sentenced to two years over $50,000 bribery case

The al-Karkh Court of Appeal in Baghdad, Iraq. Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court sentenced Member of Parliament Mohammed al-Karbouli on Thursday to two years in prison after he was found guilty in a bribery case. The Iraqi Federal Commission of Integrity found him guilty of seeking a $50,000 payment to intervene in a public-sector education investigation. According to the commission, al-Karbouli was ordered to pay a fine of 10 million Iraqi dinars ($7,600) as the charge involves the abuse of public office. Al-Karbouli has been a member of parliament since 2010, and he is now serving his fourth term. He has served on the parliament’s security and defense committee for at least two consecutive terms. Before the anti-corruption campaign launched in late June, there was speculation about al-Karbouli’s involvement in corruption charges. In May, the Iraqi court allegedly urged the parliament to revoke his parliamentary immunity so that he could be prosecuted for the case in which he was later convicted. The Iraqi government launched a countrywide anti-graft campaign last month known as “Operation Dawn.” Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the crackdown, which has resulted in the arrests of several lawmakers and senior officials, as well as the recovery of millions of dollars, gold, luxurious cars, and real estate.