Shafaq News/ Iraq has been rocked by a wiretapping scandal implicatinghigh-ranking officials within Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s Office.The controversy, which centers on allegations of illegal surveillance,misconduct, and political espionage, has stirred turmoil in the country’spolitical landscape.
Mohammed Juhy’s Network
In mid-August, Iraqi security forces arrested a "wiretapping andforgery network" allegedly led by Mohammed Juhy, a former Deputy DirectorGeneral of the Administrative Department at the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to MP Mustafa Sanad, this network is accused of a range ofillegal activities, including eavesdropping on lawmakers and politicians,orchestrating electronic campaigns, fabricating news, and impersonating keypolitical and business figures.
Juhy, who is also the nephew of Raed Juhy, the former head of PrimeMinister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s office, has been at the center of theseallegations.
Sources told Shafaq News that the network reportedly targeted keyfigures and leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework including former PrimeMinister Nouri al-Maliki, Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali, and BadrOrganization head Hadi al-Amiri, and PMF chief of staff Abdulazizal-Mohammadawi, also known as Abu Fadak.
There have been conflicting statements about whether Judge Faiq Zidanwas a target of the network, with some reports suggesting that high-rankingofficials within the Prime Minister’s Office might be involved.
The network, which allegedly involved Iraq’s intelligence agency,reportedly intercepted secret meetings and calls involving the Framework andother factions.
The Karkh Court, which handles terrorism-related cases, has made severalarrests connected to this network. The suspects have reportedly confessed totheir activities, and their statements are now part of the ongoing legalproceedings. However, the specifics of these confessions and the evidencesupporting them have yet to be fully disclosed.
Shafaq News inquiries about the investigation’s progress went unansweredfrom Al-Sudani's advisors, who said only that the case is "underinvestigation." However, sources said that new revelations about thenetwork could emerge in the coming days, with some factions accusing it ofinvolvement in the assassinations of prominent commanders in Baghdad.
In turn, Government spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi stressed thegovernment’s commitment to upholding the law and countering misleadingcampaigns aimed at disrupting its operations. This response has done little toquell the controversy, with ongoing debates about the veracity of the allegationsand the motives behind the reports.
Salam al-Jazaeri, a senior member of Asaib Ahl al-Haq’s political wing,Sadiqoun, reiterated that the judiciary is overseeing the case and will holdthose responsible accountable, without compromise. He emphasized the severityof the situation, noting that “the wiretapping involved sensitive figures,including religious authorities and their families.”
Al-Sudani Vs. Framework
The scandal has sparked a variety of reactions across Iraq's politicalspectrum. Observers close to al-Sudani view the scandal as a potential attemptto settle political scores, which could influence the upcoming elections.
The controversy has prompted discussions within the Framework ofpotentially dismissing Al-Sudani or demanding his resignation. Internal andexternal political mediation, including a visit from Iranian Quds Forcecommander General Ismail Qaani, has prevented any such actions so far, sourcessaid.
“Al-Sudani recently met with Framework leaders, including Haideral-Abadi, Al-Khazali, and Al-Amiri, in an attempt to ease tensions and distancehimself from the wiretapping operation. He reportedly offered assurances thathe was unaware of the network’s activities and promised it would not happenagain.” Sources revealed.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. Only two major Frameworkfigures, al-Abadi and Ammar al-Hakim of the National Wisdom Movement, continueto support Al-Sudani.
“Al-Hakim has been mediating between Al-Sudani, Al-Maliki, Al-Khazali,and Al-Amiri,” sources revealed to Shafaq News.
According to Sources, the wiretapping reportedly spanned across theentire Coordination Framework, leading to a demand from Al-Khazali andAl-Maliki for Al-Sudani's resignation. Other Framework members have opted tolet investigations and the judiciary handle the matter.
One source said that efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation.“Al-Sudani’s recent visit to Al-Khazali suggests a desire from all sides tomove past this crisis, particularly given the regional threats facing Iraq.Al-Sudani’s supporters within the Framework stress the importance of backingthe government to address looming challenges.”