Iraq arrests former Salahaddin governor on corruption charges

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Former Salahaddin Governor Ahmed al-Jubouri, also known as Abu Mazin, was arrested on charges of corruption in Baghdad, his office told The New Region on Saturday.

Jubouri’s arrest comes amid an anti-corruption crackdown by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi that started with a sweeping raid of Baghdad’s Green Zone in late June, which saw the arrest of several high-ranking Iraqi officials.

Iraqi state media reported on Saturday that Abu Mazin was arrested on corruption charges in Baghdad, with his office later confirming the news of his arrest to The New Region.

Jubouri has previously served as Salahaddin governor as well as the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs.

He is a prominent Sunni politician hailing from Salahaddin, and runs his own party, called the Iraqi People’s Coalition, which occupies three seats in the Iraqi parliament.

Shortly after the news of his arrest, Iraqi state media, citing high-ranking sources, also reported the arrest of Mohammed al-Hajaf, a close associate of Abu Mazin, on charges of “embezzling funds from contracts in Salahaddin province.”

Zaidi’s clampdown on corruption has witnessed widespread support across the Iraqi political sphere, including the ruling Coordination Framework.

The Iraqi government officially confirmed that at least 21 people were detained during the crackdown operation – dubbed Operation Dawn – on corruption charges, in late June. Iraqi state media had initially reported that 47 people were arrested.

Among those detained were Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, former Wasit Governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi, Oil Ministry Undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al-Bahadli, and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.