One of Iraq’s most powerful political parties filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against former prime minister Nouri Al Maliki, further deepening the country’s deadly political impasse.
Politicians aligned with powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and pushed the legal action against his rival Mr Al Maliki. It is a response to leaked audio tapes — the authenticity of which is contested — that allegedly show the former premier insulting a number of officials, including Mr Al Sadr.
The suit by Nassar Al Rubaie, the head of the Sadrist bloc, requested authorities to issue an arrest warrant against Mr Al Maliki and a travel ban.
In a letter addressed to the country's top court, which circulated on social media, Mr Al Rubaie accused him of threatening peace and security in the country.
Mr Al Maliki is also accused of seeking to cause sedition and sectarian fighting in the country.
"He also said that he will be the first one to target Moqtada Al Sadr and threaten to kill him," Mr Al Rubaie said in the letter.
The recording sparked controversy, especially regarding its authenticity.
It was leaked by US-based blogger and activist Ali Al Fadhil who began to release parts of the alleged audio recording between Mr Al Maliki and two militiamen.
Mr Al Maliki has said the audio is fake.
The former prime minister allegedly said in the audio that Mr Al Sadr is backed by foreign powers, whom he accuses of carrying out kidnappings and murder campaigns across Iraq during years of sectarian violence after the 2003 US-led invasion.
Mr Al Maliki described the Popular Mobilisation Forces, which is an umbrella group of mostly Iran-backed armed militia, as "the nationwide cowards".
He is linked to the group and maintains close relations with its top officials.
Relations between Mr Al Sadr and Mr Al Maliki have been sour over the years.
In the alleged audio Mr Al Maliki said the Sunnis, in which he is referring to the Baathists, were working as part of a British conspiracy to overthrow the country's Shiites.
It was under Mr Al Maliki's watch that ISIS took over large areas of Iraq in 2014.
He led the country until then before being removed from his position.
6 UNDERGROUND
Director: Michael Bay
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco
2.5 / 5 stars
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
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What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')
Brief scoreline:
Crystal Palace 2
Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'
Huddersfield Town 0
Januzaj's club record
Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals
Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals
Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
