meet…the strongman
Haider Hanoun was a model of integrity.
As head of Iraq’s very own Commission of Integrity, he was the man tasked with rooting out Iraq’s famously rampant corruption from the highest ranks of government.
That was until last September, when Haider’s façade came spectacularly crashing down.
A leaked audio recording caused political outrage throughout Iraq – and at its centre was Haider, our Commissioner for Integrity, who appeared to have been caught accepting bribes.
A warrant for Haider’s arrest was issued, and Prime Minister Al Sudani soon fired his integrity chief.
And then…radio silence.
Just as quick as the explosive video recording appeared, so did the media blackout begin.
There haven’t been any updates on Haider since October 2024 – so what actually happened?
WHY IT MATTERS
Iraqi democracy is a remarkable – if deeply flawed – achievement.
From the destruction caused by the US-led invasion, to Iran’s incessant meddling in Iraqi affairs, to Israel’s decision to blow up anyone in the Middle East it doesn’t like – very often they’re in Iraq - the fact that Iraq even holds elections is incredible.
But the stakes are so much higher in a country that has struggled with rampant corruption for such a long time.
If the people don’t receive answers about Haider’s actions, faith in Iraqi democracy could be irreparably destroyed.
THE PAPER TRAIL
October 2022 – Mohammed Shia Al Sudani manages to form a government a unity Prime Minister to end the 2022 Iraqi political crisis. Less than a month later, he sets up the Commission of Integrity to investigate ‘major cases of corruption’. His man? Respected judge Haider Hanoun.
September 2024 – A leaked audio file appears to show Haider discussing a bribe. The incident causes a political storm in Iraq.
October 2024 - The Third Karkh Investigation Court issues an arrest warrant for Haider, after he failed to appear in court charged with corruption charges.
November 2024 – The case goes cold. There’s no further information about Haider.