On Thursday, the Federal Integrity Commission praised the Iraqi judiciary's decision to open an investigation into audio recordings attributed to its chairman, Judge Haidar Hanoun
In a statement today, the Commission expressed gratitude to the Iraqi judiciary and the public prosecutor for initiating the investigation into the "forged and fabricated" audio recordings that have been "falsely" attributed to Judge Hanoun. The Commission emphasized its respect for any results and decisions that emerge from this investigation
The statement also announced the postponement of the press conference that was scheduled to be held at its headquarters, in order to respect the judicial process and ensure that it is not influenced, in pursuit of uncovering the truth. The Commission reiterated its commitment to achieving justice, holding accountable anyone who attempts to undermine state resources, citizen security, or the integrity of its institutions. The Commission stressed that such attempts only strengthen its resolve to confront corruption and recover public funds
Recently, audio recordings attributed to Judge Haidar Hanoun, the head of the Integrity Commission, have circulated on social media. In these recordings, Judge Hanoun reportedly complains about political interference in the Commission's work and the mediation to overlook cases of widespread financial and administrative corruption within government departments and institutions
According to the recordings, Judge Hanoun criticized the first integrity judge, Diaa Jafar, alleging that investigators in the Commission are loyal to Jafar, convey everything happening within the Commission to him, and obstruct the work of the institution