The Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq (AMSI) made a press statement condemning the burning of the Iraqi Central Bank stressing the financial corruption and theft organization behind the crime.  

 

Press Statement (Number 517) 

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful,  

All praise be to Allah, peace and blessings upon the messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad and His Family, His Companions. 

In continuation of admin and financial corruption in Iraq, together with abusing state property and assets, a huge fire at the building of the Iraqi Central Bank completely ruined four floors of the building and caused serious damage to part of Ministry of Labor despite the intensive security precautions taken to protect the bank and the surrounding area by occupation government forces due to the sensitivity of the economic and financial offices in the area. 

The following remarks can be pointed out regarding this crime; 

1.  According to available information, the offices of the president (mayor), inspector general and the payments of the bank were on fire.

2.  This fire threatened the assets at the bank estimated to be 20 billion dollars, on which no definite destiny is known yet, especially after the news about 800 million dollars missing from the bank.

3.  Many government and semi-government fronts affirmed that what happened was serious, especially that important documents and data that condemn certain corrupt persons at the two offices as well as important documents that concern the oil issue were destroyed.

While the Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq (AMSI) condemns this serious act, it affirms that mafias of corruption, organized crime, bargains, accordance of interests and winnings, all those have full control over government scene in the country. Officials directly responsible for the financial issue in the country are the beneficiaries of the fire that was meant to cover up the financial corruption scandals in the country. Occupation forces share the responsibility as this would have not happened without those forces' betrayed and exposed collaboration together with other powers who have great interest in looting Iraqi peoples assets and destroying the concerned documents and data in a step that shows their determination to prepare for escape after looting and robbery.

The Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq (AMSI) demands fast investigation in which the United Nations would be involved as an active player. The results of such investigation must be immediately announced so that the truth is known in order to preserve the money and rights of Iraqi people. It must be considered that the current government conducted so many investigations for which no results were announced, such as the events of Samarra, Zarga, Karbala and others. 

Moreover, AMSI reminds the faithful Iraqis concerned who have any relation to this affair, to have fear of Allah and to be of integrity while dealing with the property of citizens of Iraq.  

AMSI Press Department 

21 Muharram 1429 / 29 January 2008

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