Lebanon hands over body of Iraqi former MP found dead in Beirut

Lebanon has turned over the body of former Iraqi MP Ahmed Al Alwani to Iraqi authorities for transport to Baghdad, according to the Iraqi embassy in Beirut. Al Alwani, a 57-year-old prominent Sunni politician from Iraq's Anbar province, was discovered dead in a Beirut apartment this week, days after arriving from Iraq's Kurdistan region.

Initial reports suggest he was struck on the head and strangled, but Lebanese investigators have not determined a motive for his killing. Lebanese Prosecutor General Judge Ahmad Rami Al Hajj authorized the body's transfer at the request of Al Alwani's family, following completion of medical and forensic examinations. DNA samples were used to confirm the identity, alongside a scan of the remains.

A copy of the forensic report will be provided to his family. Sheikh Mohammed Ridha Al Husseini, Iraq's ambassador in Beirut, stated that arrangements are underway to return the body to Iraq swiftly. Lebanese authorities have identified three suspects, including a Lebanese national in custody and two Syrians who fled into Syria.

Beirut has asked Damascus to arrest and extradite the Syrian suspects. The killing has sparked debate in Iraq over whether it was a criminal act or politically motivated, though Lebanese officials have not concluded anything.