Iraq sentences ex-minister in absentia

Iraq’s judiciary yesterday sentenced a former trade minister and two other high-ranking officials in absentia to seven years in prison each on charges of corruption.

Investigators at the Integrity Commission said the three officials were found guilty of graft charges linked to rice imports, embezzling up to $14.3 million (Dh52.52 million) of public funds.

Its statement cited a decision issued by Baghdad’s Special Court for Crimes Against Integrity. (AFP)