Parliament investigates corruption allegations against Basra governor

In the latest move by his political adversaries to unseat him, parliament has initiated an investigation into Basra governor Asaad Al-Aydani. The Coordination Framework is seeking to establish a pretext for parliament to remove him from office.

Acting speaker of parliament Muhsin Al-Mandalawi approved the formation of an investigative committee to probe alleged "violations" during Aydani's tenure as governor since October 2019, following the suspension of provincial councils.

Mandalawi appointed Huquq Movement MP Saood Al-Saedi to lead the committee, which comprises 12 MPs, with only one member affiliated with Aydani's Tasmim party. Six MPs hail from Basra, and seven MPs represent parties or coalitions within the Coordination Framework.

The Coordination Framework failed to prevent the reelection of Aydani earlier this month because Tasmim holds a majority in the provincial council with 12 out of 23 seats.