Iraqi Embassy: Body Found in Zahle Belongs to Former MP Al-Alwani

Iraqi Ambassador to Beirut, Mohammed Reda Al-Husseini, stated that "initial data indicates that the body found in Lebanon belongs to former MP, Ahmed Al-Alwani."

Al-Husseini told the Iraqi News Agency that "the examination of the body at Zahle Government Hospital, attended by the brother of the deceased's wife along with information received last night, confirmed that the body belongs to former MP Ahmed Al-Alwani," adding that "the decomposition of the body and the absence of most facial features led the Lebanese Public Prosecutor General, Judge Ahmad Rami Al-Hajj, to issue an order for a DNA test to definitively verify the identity of the body," clarifying that "the DNA test and matching require some time while the embassy is coordinating with relevant Lebanese authorities to expedite the necessary procedures to receive the body and transport it to Baghdad."

He praised "the full cooperation shown by Judge Al-Hajj, heads of security agencies, and concerned officers, as well as the administration and medical staff of Zahle Hospital during the examination of the body in the presence of the embassy staff and the brother of the deceased's wife," confirming that "the Iraqi Embassy in Beirut is closely following the investigations conducted by Lebanese security agencies regarding Al-Alwani's murder," noting that "suspicions still surround some individuals who accompanied the deceased from the hotel to the apartment where he was found dead."

He expressed confidence that "the judiciary and Lebanese security agencies will spare no effort in uncovering the truth of the incident and its circumstances and identifying the perpetrators."