The Second Karkh Investigation Court in Baghdad has issued two arrest warrants for former Iraqi lawmaker Basim Khashan, accusing him of accepting bribes, soliciting money in exchange for official duties, intentionally damaging public funds, and exploiting his position for personal gain.

Arrest Warrants Issued

On Sunday, July 12, the Second Karkh Investigation Court in Baghdad issued two arrest warrants for Basim Khashan, a former member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives.

The charges against him include accepting bribes, soliciting money in exchange for performing official duties, intentionally damaging public funds, and exploiting his position for personal gain. The warrants were issued following an official complaint submitted by the Iraqi Integrity Commission.

Applicable Laws and Potential Penalties

The arrest warrants were issued under Decree No. 160 and Article 340 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

The penalty under Decree No. 160 carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, while Article 340, which concerns the abuse of official duties for personal gain, carries a prison sentence of up to 7 years. Combined, the charges could result in a maximum sentence of 17 years' imprisonment.

Intermediary Convicted in the Case

According to official documents, the Iraqi Court of Cassation upheld a prison sentence against Haider Saadi Mousa, who acted as an intermediary in Basim Khashan's case.

The documents state that Mousa facilitated the collection of money from an investor on behalf of the former member of parliament. As a result, he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Basim Khashan's Political Background

Basim Khashan is a politician, lawyer, and civil activist.

He entered parliament following the 2018 elections as part of the Alliance Towards Reforms (Sairoon) coalition before later leaving the bloc and declaring himself independent.

In the 2021 parliamentary elections, he received 11,755 votes in Muthanna Governorate. During the fifth parliamentary term, he became known as one of the independent MPs close to the Tishreen movement, where he frequently criticized and investigated corruption cases.