Iraq Defense Ministry’s ex-deputy general secretary jailed for 6 years
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Ziad al-Qattan, former deputy general secretary of Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, has been sentenced to six years in prison for harming public finances.
“The Criminal Integrity Court examined three lawsuits against the former deputy general secretary of the Ministry of Defense Ziad al-Qattan, convicted of committing violations in signed deals with contracted companies with the ministry while being in the position,” judge Abdulstar Bayraqtar, spokesperson for the High Judicial Council, was quoted as saying in a statement by the court.
“The court issued three jail sentences for two years, to be carried out consecutively,” added Bayraqtar.
Qattan was handed over to Iraq by Jordan on April 15 to face trial for corruption. He held the position during the days of the Iraqi Transitional Government (May 2005-May 2006).
Former trade minister of Iraq Falah al-Sudani was sentenced to 21 years in jail on February 12, also on corruption charges.
Violent protests have resumed in the oil-rich southern province of Basra against government corruption, government mismanagement, unemployment, and a lack of basic services. Fifteen people have been killed and scores injured according to health ministry figures.
Iraq is among the most corrupt countries in the world, according to Transparency International.
“The Criminal Integrity Court examined three lawsuits against the former deputy general secretary of the Ministry of Defense Ziad al-Qattan, convicted of committing violations in signed deals with contracted companies with the ministry while being in the position,” judge Abdulstar Bayraqtar, spokesperson for the High Judicial Council, was quoted as saying in a statement by the court.
The violations covered three contracts with companies that were supposed to equip the ministry with light weaponry and military equipment. The third contract, worth $8,003,346, included the construction a temporary camp for Rapid Response Division in Fallujah, according to the spokesperson.
“The court issued three jail sentences for two years, to be carried out consecutively,” added Bayraqtar.
Qattan was handed over to Iraq by Jordan on April 15 to face trial for corruption. He held the position during the days of the Iraqi Transitional Government (May 2005-May 2006).
Former trade minister of Iraq Falah al-Sudani was sentenced to 21 years in jail on February 12, also on corruption charges.
Violent protests have resumed in the oil-rich southern province of Basra against government corruption, government mismanagement, unemployment, and a lack of basic services. Fifteen people have been killed and scores injured according to health ministry figures.
Iraq is among the most corrupt countries in the world, according to Transparency International.
Correction: The contract was for $8,003,346, not $8,300,300,046.