Baghdad, Iraq – Former Iraqi judge Munir Haddad, who headed the judicial panel that oversaw the trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, revealed that the amount of money wasted and looted in Iraq since 2003 has exceeded two trillion dollars. He also stated that this figure reflects the scale of corruption that has plagued the country over the past decades.
In media statements, Haddad explained that Iraq possesses enormous financial and oil resources that could have placed it among the most economically advanced nations. However, corruption, mismanagement, and the depletion of public funds have prevented the achievement of the desired development. He emphasized that the wasted funds could have brought about a radical transformation in the infrastructure and the level of services.
He pointed out that combating corruption remains one of the greatest challenges facing the Iraqi state. He called for activating the role of oversight and judicial institutions, recovering stolen funds, and holding all those involved in corruption cases accountable without exception.
He added that restoring public trust requires genuine reforms and enhanced transparency in the management of public funds. He also stressed the importance of applying the law equally to all, which contributes to protecting the country’s wealth and preventing the recurrence of abuses that have severely damaged the Iraqi economy.
These statements come at a time when the Iraqi government continues its efforts to pursue corruption cases and recover public funds. There are growing public demands to open all files related to the squandering of public funds and to hold those responsible accountable.
