sb.scorecardresearch
Advertisement

Published 05:52 IST, October 11th 2020

Iraq authorities launch high-level investigation into Korean firm director's death

A high-level investigation was called in for an in-depth investigation into the matter after multiple officials raised questions over Park's death

Reported by: Sounak Mitra
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
Iraq
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Iraqi officials have initiated an investigation into the death of a high-level director of a Korean company who was working on a project of implementing a strategic port in the country's southern region. As per reports, the Iraqi lawmakers have raised doubts over the initial reports that claimed the incident a suicide. Director for the South Korean Daewoo E&C Iraq office, Park Chul-Ho was found dead on the morning of Friday, October 9. 

READ: Iraqi Pilgrims Start Trek Despite Coronavirus Spread

High-level probe initiated

As per reports, Park's body was discovered by an employee in the company compound in the oil-rich province of Basra, some kilometres away from the port site. A high-level investigation was called in for an in-depth investigation into the matter after multiple officials raised questions over Park's death. As per reports, three Iraqi officials said that the new committee began work on Saturday. 

READ: An Iraqi Father Confronts Militia In Search For Missing Son

The mayor of Al-Fao district in Basra, Walid al-Sharif, is reported to have said that the high-level probe will include surveillance footage retrieved from around the company premises.  As per reports, hours after the Director's body was found, the Ministry of Transport released a statement claiming that Park's death is a case of suicide and that his passing would not disturb the ongoing project. 

In addition to this, Hassan Karim al-Kaabi, deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament, requested the government to conduct a strict investigation into the matter. Al-Kaabi questioned the timing of Park's death as it had occurred just after the Transport Ministry announced signing a new contract regarding the work on the next phase of the Fao port project. Hakim al-Zamili, head of the Sadrist Movement, has also backed the demand for a high-level probe to follow up the case. 

READ: Iraqi Students Stage Protest To Mark 2019 Killings

READ: 6 Missiles Intercepted Targeting Airport In Northern Iraq

Inputs/Image: AP (Representative)

Updated 05:52 IST, October 11th 2020