Iraqi politician convicted in corruption case, sentence suspended
Iraq's Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court has handed a one-year suspended prison sentence to Jamal al-Karbouli, a prominent Sunni political figure and head of the al-Hal (Solution) Party, a judicial source told Shafaq News on Sunday.
The conviction was issued under Article 453 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which criminalizes breach of trust involving the misuse of entrusted movable property for personal or unauthorized purposes.
Al-Karbouli was initially arrested in April 2021 on corruption-related charges but was released later that year, on November 28.
Al-Karbouli, born in 1965 and trained as a medical doctor, rose to national prominence as President of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society during the post-2003 period. He later transitioned into politics, founding the National Movement for Development and Reform, better known as the al-Hal Party, one of the leading Sunni political platforms in Iraq.
He is also Sheikh (leader) of al-Karabla tribe, part of the Dulaim tribal confederation in al-Anbar province. Throughout his political career, he maintained a role in shaping Sunni parliamentary blocs and electoral coalitions, often positioning himself as a rival to other Sunni leaders such as former Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
2 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani challenges Iran-backed militias as Iraq reasserts control
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's recent efforts to assert state authority have drawn strong criticism from Kataib Hezbollah, one of the country's most influential Iran-aligned militias. The group accused Al-Sudani of provoking a confrontation with their security forces, underscoring growing friction between the central government and armed factions operating outside official oversight. Tensions surged following a deadly incident in Baghdad's Dora district, where Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi called on the Shia Coordination Framework to suspend Al-Sudani's executive powers, citing what he described as a breakdown in trust. The violence began when gunmen stormed the Agriculture Directorate during a conference in southern Baghdad, leading to clashes with security forces. One federal police officer was killed, and at least 15 others were wounded. Iraq's Joint Operations Command later confirmed that the attackers had been arrested and handed over to the judiciary. The suspects were identified as members of the PMF's 45th and 46th brigades, units tied to Iran-backed groups. While the backlash highlights the enduring power of such factions, some analysts view it as a signal that Al-Sudani is taking firm steps to curb their influence. His push to strengthen formal state institutions has resonated with segments of the public calling for a more sovereign and independent Iraq. International pressure has also intensified. In late July, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Al-Sudani that a proposed law formalizing the Popular Mobilization Forces could entrench Iranian influence and legitimize groups Washington sees as destabilizing. Domestically, Iraq's highest Shiite religious authority has echoed calls for stronger state control. On July 17, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani's representative, Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalai, delivered a rare sermon urging an end to militia activity and the reinforcement of national institutions. This is widely seen as a clear signal in favor of state sovereignty. With national elections on the horizon, Al-Sudani faces a critical test. Whether he continues to challenge armed factions or opts for political compromise may define both his leadership and Iraq's path toward independent governance.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
92 years on: Kirkuk remembers Simele Massacre against Assyrians
Shafaq News – Kirkuk Kirkuk joined communities around the world on Thursday in commemorating Assyrian Martyrs Day, marking 92 years since the Simele Massacre—one of the earliest mass killings in Iraq's modern history. A minute of silence was observed in front of the Provincial Council building, with participation from civil society activists, religious leaders, and representatives of Iraq's ethnic and religious communities. Angel Shaba, rapporteur of the Provincial Council, told Shafaq News that the remembrance serves as 'a powerful reminder of the Assyrians' suffering and the importance of protecting all components of Iraqi society.' The massacre took place from August 7 to 11, 1933, in Simele town and over sixty surrounding villages in Duhok and Mosul provinces, following political tensions between the Hashemite monarchy and Assyrian leaders who were calling for international guarantees to protect their identity. Led by General Bakr Sidqi, the royal army launched a military campaign that resulted in the killing of more than 600 civilians in Simele alone, while some estimates place the total number of victims at over 3,000 across the surrounding areas. Eyewitness reports from the time described mass executions, the burning of homes, rape, and widespread violence. Assyrians around the world commemorate the tragedy each year on August 7, keeping alive the memory of those lost and reaffirming their historical presence and cultural legacy.
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Beirut rebukes Iranian FM over Hezbollah remarks
Shafaq News – Beirut Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding Hezbollah's role in the country, describing them as an unacceptable intrusion into Lebanon's internal affairs. The statement followed Araghchi's public rejection of a Lebanese government plan to bring all weapons under state authority—a proposal that has sparked political tensions and drawn strong opposition from Hezbollah and its allies. While asserting that Iran 'offers support but not direction,' Araghchi praised Hezbollah's military readiness and affirmed Tehran's continued backing for the group's decisions. In its response, the Foreign Ministry labeled the remarks 'rejected and condemned,' stressing that they 'do not concern the Islamic Republic in any way' and constitute 'a breach of Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and stability.' It underscored that relations between states must be grounded in mutual respect, equality, and non-interference, adding that it is 'completely unacceptable' for foreign powers to back actors operating outside the framework of the Lebanese state. The controversy arose after Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Tuesday that the Lebanese Army has been tasked with drafting a phased roadmap to place all arms under state authority by the end of 2025. The plan, discussed during a cabinet session at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, forms part of a broader US-supported initiative aimed at arms control and comprehensive security sector reform. The announcement prompted ministers from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement to walk out of the meeting in protest. Information Minister Paul Morcos later confirmed that the cabinet will reconvene on August 9 to continue deliberations on the draft. Hezbollah called the plan a 'grave mistake' that weakens Lebanon's ability to defend itself against Israeli attacks. The group argued that the proposal contradicts the government's own ministerial declaration and accused it of being shaped by 'dictates from US Envoy Tom Barrack.' In June, Barrack reportedly submitted a roadmap for Hezbollah's full disarmament to Lebanese officials, including a proposed cabinet resolution committing the government to that goal. The US has increased its pressure on Beirut to take formal steps toward disarmament, warning that failure to do so could invite further Israeli military escalation. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated on Thursday that the group would not accept any deal aimed at dismantling its arsenal, describing US demands as 'unacceptable.' While expressing readiness for dialogue on a national defense strategy, the group maintained that such discussions must take into account ongoing Israeli violations and the broader question of Lebanese sovereignty.
