After Iraq ex-MP’s killing, Lebanon asks Syria to extradite suspects

Lebanese judicial authorities have formally requested Syria's cooperation in apprehending two Syrian nationals suspected of involvement in the murder of former Iraqi parliamentarian Ahmed al-Alwani. The Iraqi politician's body was discovered in an apartment in Beirut's Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood earlier this week, with preliminary autopsy results indicating he was strangled to death.

According to a Lebanese judicial source speaking to AFP, the investigation remains ongoing as both the identities of the Syrian suspects and potential motives behind the killing remain unclear. A Lebanese national has already been arrested and is currently being interrogated in connection with the case.

Financial motives probed

While investigators continue to explore possible motives, sources indicate the inquiry has revealed a potential financial angle to the case. Al-Alwani, who arrived in Beirut from Erbil on November 5 via Middle East Airlines, was last seen leaving his hotel in a white Range Rover accompanied by individuals speaking with Syrian accents.

The hotel staff told investigators that the people who were accompanying al-Alwani were speaking with a Syrian accent.

Political background

Hailing from Ramadi in Iraq's Sunni heartland, al-Alwani served over a decade in prison after initially receiving a death sentence on terrorism charges. He was a prominent critic of Iranian influence in Iraq and of Iranian-backed Shia armed groups, having risen to prominence during the 2012-2013 protests against the Shia-led government of then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Following his release in April 2025 under Iraq's General Amnesty Law, al-Alwani maintained his political activities until his untimely death. Iraq's President Nizar Amedi has called for a swift investigation, having met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Turkiye to discuss the matter.

Regional investigation

Lebanon's top prosecutor, Judge Ahmed Rami al-Hajj, is personally overseeing the investigation being conducted by the Information Branch of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces. Iraq has dispatched a team to assist in the Lebanese investigation, with the Iraqi ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Reda al-Husseini confirming the embassy is closely monitoring developments.

In a separate development, Lebanese authorities have arrested five Hezbollah members in the Batroun highlands in northern Lebanon, though no immediate connection has been established between this case and al-Alwani's murder. The Iraqi embassy awaits the final report from Lebanese security agencies to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the crime.