Iraqi Court Reverses Parliament’s Decision to Punish Legislator for Israel Visit

An Iraqi legislator stripped of his immunity for visiting Israel will be allowed to resume his duties following a decision by Iraq’s constitutional court that overturned the legislature’s action. Member of Parliament Mithal Alusi is a Sunni Muslim and the sole legislator representing the Democratic Party of the Iraqi Nation – a party he established. After traveling to Israel in September to attend a conference on terrorism, his immunity was lifted and he was prohibited from traveling abroad or attending sessions of the legislature. The government cannot appeal the constitutional court’s decision. Alusi set up his party after being expelled from another party in 2004 – also for visiting Israel.