Al-Faisal denies resignation, calls audio recording a targeted attack

BAGHDAD — Abdul Karim Al-Faisal, head of the Advisory Commission in Iraq’s Council of Ministers, refuted reports on Friday that he had stepped down following the circulation of an audio recording allegedly implicating him in bribery. Al-Faisal dismissed the recording as “fabricated” and “false,” calling it a targeted attack against him and a warning to others fighting corruption with integrity.

The controversy began after an audio clip surfaced on Iraqi social media accounts, purportedly featuring Al-Faisal negotiating a $1 million bribe. In the clip, he allegedly referred to the sum as modest compared to a bribe taken by another minister. The recording sparked heated discussions online, with unverified claims suggesting Al-Faisal had been suspended or resigned—allegations he denies.

In his statement, Al-Faisal quoted a Quranic verse, saying, “O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.”

He described the audio as part of a campaign by certain social media platforms and “yellow pages”—a local term for unreliable or sensationalist outlets—intended to undermine his work. He denied issuing any related statements and reaffirmed that he remains in his position.

“I declare that this is a targeted attack and a warning to everyone who works and fights with honor and integrity against the types of corruption that have ravaged Iraq’s resources,” Al-Faisal said.

Al-Faisal expressed confidence in the Iraqi judiciary to protect him from what he described as defamatory attacks.

The office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also issued a statement Friday, pledging legal action against individuals or entities spreading false information to mislead public opinion, cover up corruption, and discredit government achievements.

“Spreading lies is the weapon of those who lack credibility and respect in the eyes of our people,” the statement said. It highlighted recent progress, such as the development of Al Faw Grand Port, as a target for detractors. “Identifying and tracking those behind these attempts is not difficult, and legal consequences will follow for those who fabricate and distort facts.”