ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Iraqi Bar Association on Sunday expressed support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s massive anti-corruption crackdowns, saying it will not defend individuals accused of corruption, with at least 47 high-profile politicians and lawmakers having been arrested.

“Our ethical duty toward the country requires that we do not allow our hands to become stained by defending money taken from the people’s livelihood and the nation’s resources,” the association said in a statement.

The association said it is closely monitoring the arrests and investigations, describing them as a serious step toward combating corruption and restoring confidence in state institutions.

“These actions reflect a genuine will to restore the authority of the state and consolidate the principle of the rule of law.”

Iraqi state media confirmed on Sunday that 47 high-level officials and lawmakers, including Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, were detained in sweeping overnight raids “on corruption charges.”

Iraqi special security forces entered Baghdad's Green Zone overnight and imposed a lockdown as part of what officials described as a major anti-corruption campaign launched under recently appointed Prime Minister Zaidi. The operation reportedly targeted senior politicians and government officials. 

While reaffirming every defendant’s right to legal representation and a fair defense, the association said it supports efforts by the judiciary, the government, the integrity commission and security agencies to pursue corruption cases and enforce the law.

The Iraqi Bar Association also pledged full support for legal efforts aimed at recovering public funds and holding those responsible accountable.

“The success of this campaign depends on its continuation until the end and not stopping at specific limits or names,” the statement said.

Security expert Fadel Abu Ragheef described the arrest campaign to state media as “the first campaign of its kind launched by an Iraqi prime minister since 2003” with “clear support from the judiciary.”

He said the operation “will be a deterrent to anyone who dares to steal public funds,” adding that Zaidi “is determined to recover the looted funds and return them to the public treasury.”

Controversial lawmakers Mohammed al-Karbouli, Ziad al-Janabi, Hind al-Abbasi, Mudhar al-Karawi, and former Wasit governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi were also arrested in the overnight raids in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

Authorities also detained Oil Ministry undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al-Bahadli and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, a senior advisor to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

The crackdown follows several high-profile corruption cases uncovered in recent months, including an alleged embezzlement scheme involving more than $85 million that led to the arrest of former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili in May.

Earlier this month, Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission announced it had uncovered the embezzlement of nearly two billion Iraqi dinars from Diyala’s electricity directorate, resulting in the dismissal of four senior officials.

Iraq ranked 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index despite repeated government pledges to tackle corruption.