Iraq's judiciary on August 4 imposed a travel ban against the speaker of parliament, two lawmakers, and several other people who have been accused of corruption.
The travel bans were issued against parliamentary speaker Salim al-Juburi, lawmakers Mohammed al-Karbouli and Taleb al-Maamari, and four other people -- including a former member of parliament.
The allegations of corruption were raised in parliament on August 1 by Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi.
Obeidi alleged that Juburi and several other lawmakers were corrupt and had sought to blackmail him.
On August 2, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s office said he had ordered a “temporary travel ban” against those under investigation.
But Jurubi denied the allegations and rejected that travel ban against him, saying only the judiciary had the authority to impose such measures.
A judiciary commission is investigating the allegations of corruption made by Obeidi.
Judiciary spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayrakdar said on August 4 that witnesses being called to testify include serving and former officials in the Iraqi government.