Iraq forms panel to probe diplomat’s Amman hotel dispute, vows transparency

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday formed a special investigative committee to review a case involving one of its employees after a diplomatic controversy in Jordan, saying it is handling the matter “with full professionalism and transparency” to protect the reputation of Iraqi diplomacy.

The statement followed public debate surrounding Iraqi diplomat Zainab Okla Al-Saadi, who was accused by staff at the Fairmont Hotel in Amman of taking towels and other items from her room. Al-Saadi denied the allegations, accusing hotel staff of stealing her belongings and car and deliberately trying to defame her. She demanded a “transparent and fair investigation” and, in a televised interview, displayed a towel she said was her own, not the hotel’s.

Speaking to Iraq Alhadath TV, Al-Saadi said, “When I returned, I found some of my clothes missing from the room, my home clothes from a specific brand I don’t wish to name. So I called reception and reported what I’d lost. They sent a staff member to search, and she looked everywhere, even under the bed, then apologized, saying they couldn’t find it.” She added, “They told me the room hadn’t been cleaned yet and asked me to wait while they did.

Al-Saadi continued, “The towels are mine, not the hotel’s — I swear by God. A staff member even told me, ‘Maybe this towel belongs to the hotel and was mixed up,’ and I said, ‘Dear, this one is mine; it feels different, and I use it as a pillow cover.’ Still, I gave it to them. They claimed there were six towels, but mine is small. I don’t understand why I was treated this way.”

The ministry said a committee has been formed “to examine the details of the case and verify all aspects according to legal and administrative procedures.” It added that it has begun “taking formal measures to investigate the leak of official documents issued by one of Iraq’s missions abroad” and will announce the results once the inquiry is complete.

Hotel management in Amman earlier claimed Al-Saadi had taken six towels, two cups, a watch, a remote control, and other personal items. A statement from the hotel said staff tried to resolve the matter quietly but that the diplomat raised her voice and cited diplomatic immunity, leading to confusion before she was allowed to leave.

The Iraqi Embassy in Amman later reported to the ministry that the incident began with a security alert over two unattended bags and escalated into a confrontation. The episode quickly spread across Iraqi media, prompting criticism and calls for accountability.