Iraqi PM seeks sacking of local governor after Mosul boat capsize

BAGHDAD- Reuters

The capsize of the boat, which was carrying families to a recreational spot on an island in the Tigris River on March 21, was the most deadly incident in the northern city since it was recaptured from ISIL in a bloody and destructive conflict in 2017.

"Due to the obvious negligence and dereliction in performing duties and responsibility, and the presence of evidence proving misuse of public funds and abuse of power ... we suggest that you dismiss the governor and his deputies," Abdul Mahdi wrote in a letter addressed to the speaker of parliament that was published by his office late on March 22.

Iraqi law gives the federal parliament the right to sack provincial governors based on the suggestion of the prime minister.

Scores of angry protesters swarmed Iraq's president and the governor on March 22, forcing them to leave the site of the accident. The crowd threw stones and shoes at Sultan's car, which sped off hitting two people, one of whom was taken to hospital.

Protesters blamed negligence by the local government for the accident. The boat was loaded to five times its capacity, according to a local official.