The federal integrity commission: The Federal Integrity Commission announced the issuance of an in absentia sentence of six years imprisonment against the former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, due to irregularities in a contract with a Danish company to display the Nimrud archaeological treasure in European museums.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Karkh Criminal Court/Third Panel issued an in absentia sentence against the fugitive convict, Sarbast Omar Hassan, who held the position of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment for violations committed in the case related to the Ministry’s contract in 2014 with a Danish company called ‘Exhibitions Holding Group’ for the purpose of displaying the Nimrud archaeological treasure in European museums.

The Commission added that after reviewing the evidence and proofs obtained in the case, the court found them sufficient and convincing for conviction, and therefore decided to sentence the fugitive convict in absentia to six years imprisonment. This decision was based on the provisions of Article (340) of the Penal Code No. (111 of 1969).