Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is not happy with a new law pardoning mostly Sunni prisoners. Al-Maliki himself is, of course, a Shiite:

Iraq’s Shi’ite leader vowed on Saturday to amend a law meant to foster sectarian reconciliation by pardoning mostly Sunni prisoners, saying it had led to the release of “terrorists” and corruption suspects.

Iraq has blamed a spike in violence since April on the release of detainees from Iraqi and U.S. prisons, and is also on a drive to stamp out the rampant corruption that has crippled efforts to attract foreign investment and rebuild the country.

“Regrettably,” al-Maliki said, “the amnesty law has been changed from the conditions written by the government, and has led to the pardoning of many (accused of) corruption.”

“This will be amended and reviewed, on the basis that there is no protection for any corrupt (person) or terrorist in any legislation, or by any political power that is part of the government,” he said. (more…)