Baghdad: The head of Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, affirmed on Thursday that there is no immunity or red line when it comes to enforcing the law.
According to Iraqi News Agency, the Federal Integrity Commission stated that Al-Lami met with the management and staff of the Commission's Investigation Office in Kirkuk, where he praised the office's qualitative operations carried out in recent months and commended their efforts in combating corruption and pursuing those responsible.
The statement added that the meeting featured a number of proposals and visions aimed at improving the Investigation Office's working mechanisms, while discussing ways to overcome obstacles facing investigative staff. These measures are intended to accelerate the resolution of cases, strengthen cooperation with relevant institutions, and achieve better results in combating corruption and protecting public funds.
Al-Lami stressed that public funds are a trust entrusted to everyone and that any infringement upon them constitutes an assault on the rights of all Iraqis. He emphasized that the Commission's work must serve as a deterrent to anyone attempting to tamper with state resources, adding that corrupt individuals will find no shield protecting them from the rule of law and will instead face legal punishment and social condemnation.
He further noted that Kirkuk represents a model of Iraq's diversity, making it essential for all parties to unite in safeguarding public funds and promoting integrity. He also affirmed that the Commission will continue supporting its dedicated personnel while showing no tolerance for negligence or failure in the performance of duty.
Al-Lami stated that the Commission's primary weapon is the law, backed by public support and coordination with the executive, legislative, and judicial authorities, as well as state institutions. This, he said, eliminates any illusion of impunity and strengthens the state's ability to confront corruption. He reiterated that there is no immunity or red line preventing the application of the law, provided that actions are taken within the legal framework and remain free from personal targeting or obstruction of development and public services.
The statement added that Al-Lami's visit to Kirkuk also included a meeting at the Kirkuk Court of Appeal with its President, Judge Qasim Mohammed Suleiman. The two sides discussed mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the Integrity Commission and the judiciary, accelerate the adjudication of corruption cases, and provide the evidence necessary for courts to issue appropriate rulings.
Al-Lami stressed that the judiciary constitutes the cornerstone of state-building and the consolidation of the rule of law. For his part, the President of the Kirkuk Court of Appeal praised the level of cooperation between integrity judges and the Commission's Investigation Office in Kirkuk, affirming that judicial decisions are based solely on evidence and are free from any external considerations. He added that both the judiciary and the Integrity Commission have maintained their independence, impartiality, and distance from political influences and conflicts.