Iraqi Lawmaker Says Immunity Lift Sought

BAGHDAD (AP) — A lawmaker in Iraq’s Sunni-backed bloc says the Shiite-led government is seeking to lift his parliamentary immunity, a step which may extend the country’s political crisis.

Iraqiya deputy Haider al-Mulla says he has received notice from the parliament that authorities are requesting a vote to strip him of immunity to prosecute him on charges he insulted the country’s judiciary.

Iraqiya accuses Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of sectarian bias and of trying to push Sunnis out of the government to consolidate his power.

Iraqiya launched a boycott of parliament and Cabinet sessions in December to protest an arrest warrant against a top Sunni official.

Lawmakers ended the boycott Tuesday, amid accusations that it fueling political instability.