On Sunday, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi Council of Representatives announced its full support for the recent legal measures undertaken by the Iraqi government against corruption.

On June 28, Iraq arrested dozens of senior officials and politicians in the Green Zone in Baghdad. 

The arrest campaign initially started with the arrest of former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili in May, whose confessions allegedly led to the further arrests this week. The official embezzled over $85 million.

“We hope that this campaign will not be confined to Baghdad alone, but will extend to all governorates and cities across Iraq,” the KDP said.

“In this regard, we emphasize the importance of full coordination between the executive and judicial authorities to ensure the success of this national campaign and to uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability.”

Also on Sunday, Senior KDP official Hoshyar Zebari posted on X that the Kurdistan Region is the fortress of freedom and democracy in Iraq. 

“It has long been, and continues to be, a refuge for all Iraqis who cherish freedom, as well as for those who have suffered oppression and human rights abuses. However, it will never be a haven for criminals, those who steal public funds, or the corrupt,” Zebari said.

According to media reports, three individuals wanted in connection with Iraq’s anti-corruption campaign were arrested by Kurdish security forces on Sunday and handed over to Baghdad.

The crackdown also gained support from Iraq’s main Shi’a leaders, such as former prime ministers Nouri al-Maliki and Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and populist Shi’a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.