Iraqi judge: Violence fuels corruption

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The former head of the Iraqi Commission on Public Integrity told a U.S. House committee Thursday corruption in Iraq is growing worse.

Judge Radhi Hamza al-Radhi testified those responsible for controlling corruption have become targets of violence and intimidation, The Washington Post reported.

"In a number of cases, my staff and their relatives have been kidnapped or detained and tortured prior to being killed," Radhi told the House Committee on Reform and Government Oversight.

He said 31 members of his staff and 12 of their relatives have been killed, including one man who was shot with his pregnant wife. In another case, a staffer’s father was hanged from a meat hook.

Radhi himself has asked for asylum in the United States with his family.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has taken advantage of a 1971 law that gives ministers a veto over investigations of their departments, Radhi said.