DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Hussein al-Ghurabi, a political activist and leader of the Tishreen-born National Home Party, over accusations linked to unrest in Dhi Qar province.

Ghurabi told The New Region that he received an official notification on Saturday stating that he is wanted by the Dhi Qar Intelligence Directorate.

“The notice I got only includes an arrest order,” he said, adding that he intends to surrender at the start of the next working day. “I am a man of the law. I will turn myself in, and my lawyer is already following the case.”

According to Ghurabi, the case is filed under Article 197 of Iraq’s Penal Code, a charge that covers offenses such as burning government buildings, attempting to overthrow the political system, and inciting disorder. He said he has not been informed of the specific evidence or details of the allegations.

Ghurabi suggested the matter may be tied to the 2019 Tishreen protests and the violent confrontations that took place in Dhi Qar during that period.

The political activist ran in the latest parliamentary elections in Dhi Qar, leading the Alternative Alliance list.

In September 2020, Ghurabi’s home in Nasiriyah was targeted with an explosive device, causing damage but leaving no casualties.

The attack came at the height of tension in Dhi Qar, which had been one of the main centers of the Tishreen protest movement.

Ghurabi, called on the government at the time to protect demonstrators and pursue those involved in violence, kidnappings, and assassinations.