Former Iraqi police officer extradited from Turkey over detainee escape

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Federal Commission of Integrity announced Monday the extradition of a former police officer from Turkey, where he had been residing after being convicted in absentia for helping a detainee escape from custody.

In a statement, the commission said Khalil Nouri Khalil Ajeel Al-Azzawi was retrieved from Turkish authorities through coordinated efforts with the Supreme Judicial Council, Public Prosecution, Iraqi Intelligence Service, and the Arab and International Police Directorate at the Ministry of Interior.

Al-Azzawi was accused of “deliberately exploiting his position” to facilitate the escape of a detainee from a police station where he was employed. Authorities submitted a full extradition file, which led to the issuance of a red notice and international search warrant. He was later handed over to Iraqi officials through diplomatic channels.

The Criminal Court for Integrity Cases under the Baghdad Appeals Court had previously sentenced Al-Azzawi in absentia to 10 years in prison.