No Spying Occurred by Employees of Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, Adviser States – Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – A political adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has dismissed recent claims that staff members in the premier’s office have been engaged in spying on and wire-tapping high-ranking officials and politicians.

Since late August, local Iraqi media and legislators have reported allegations concerning the arrest of employees in Sudani’s office for purportedly spying on senior officials.

"This is an inflated lie," Fadi al-Shammari stated during an interview with an Iraqi broadcaster, marking the most explicit denial from a senior aide to the prime minister.

Shammari argued that these allegations were intended to tarnish Sudani’s image ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections anticipated next year.

"Everything that has transpired in the past two weeks is a media exaggeration that does not reflect reality or truth," he asserted.

The controversy has caused significant concern in Iraq, a country that has enjoyed relative stability since Sudani assumed office in late 2022, following an agreement among ruling factions that ended a prolonged political deadlock.

Shammari acknowledged that there had been one arrest within the prime minister’s office in August, but clarified that it was unrelated to any spying or wire-tapping activities. The individual arrested was found to have interacted with lawmakers and other politicians while impersonating another person.

"He spoke to lawmakers using different numbers and fake names and requested various files," he said, without providing specific details, adding, "There was no spying, no wiretapping."