Iraqi controversy over the return of Sunni figures accused of terrorism
The reports on returning exiled Sunni figures who were sentenced by Iraqi courts to Iraq stirred controversies among Iraqis.
BAGHDAD — Iraqi media reported in recent days that the Iraqi judiciary has completed the procedures for the return of former Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, former Ninevah Gov. Mosul Atheel al-Nujaifi, former Finance Minister Rafi al-Issawi and Sheikh Ali Suleiman. The reports said that legal cases against these Sunni figures have been dismissed as part of a political deal within the scope of the political reconciliation.
But the Iraqi judiciary quickly denied any arrangements for the return of Hashemi, Nujaifi, Issawi and Suleiman. In a statement, it said, “The news carried by a satellite channel on arrangements for the return of persons wanted by the judiciary based on political deals is not true.” Sunni and Shiite political parties expressed various positions on this issue.
Hashemi is accused of terrorism dating to 2011 while Suleiman faces terrorism charges dating to 2013 related to bringing the Islamic State (IS) in to Iraq; Issawi and Nujaifi face separate charges of corruption dating to 2013.
Despite the denial by the judiciary, Nujaifi told Al-Monitor, “There are quick and ongoing legal steps that are being taken before the Iraqi courts to drop charges against me and against former Minister of Finance Rafi al-Issawi. I do not know anything about the legal cases against Hashemi and Suleiman.”
