ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework met on Monday to voice support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption campaign and call on the parliament to expedite key legislation. 

The Iraqi government, led by Zaidi, launched a large-scale anti-graft campaign in late June, when security forces entered Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone and arrested scores of senior officials and lawmakers over alleged corruption and theft of public resources.

In a statement, the Coordination Framework said they “reaffirmed their support for governmental and judicial measures in combating the scourge of corruption and halting the squandering of public funds.” 

The meeting was also attended by Zaidi himself, as well as judiciary chief Faiq Zidan, according to the statement, which added that the attendees “discussed the sustainability of the anti-corruption campaign.” 

“The Coordination Framework also emphasized the necessity for parliament to activate its oversight mechanisms in line with governmental and judicial steps … to enact important legislation,” the statement said.

The Iraqi parliament returned from recess and met on Monday for the first time since the onset of Zaidi’s anti-graft campaign, which has seen numerous lawmakers arrested.

The Iraqi government has officially confirmed that at least 21 people were detained during the widespread crackdown operation – dubbed Operation Dawn – on corruption charges. Iraqi state media had initially reported that 47 people were arrested.

Among those detained were Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, former Wasit Governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi, Oil Ministry Undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al-Bahadli, and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

Zaidi’s campaign has enjoyed broad support from the Iraqi public as well as myriad notable politicians and officials across the country.