Former Finance Minister Rafi al-Issawi, a prominent Sunni figure, has returned to Iraq and turned himself in for trial on terrorism charges.
On June 21, parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said Issawi has no ties to terrorism and that such allegations are “malicious,” saying Issawi’s return is a part of “yearslong UN efforts involving Iraq’s political and social reconciliation dossier. President Barham Salih has been engaged in Issawi’s return.”