Iraq
The Shatt al-Arab waterway in Iraq's southernmost Basra province. Photo: Bilind T. Abdullah/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Basra authorities on Friday announced the arrest of 17 people following the harassment of a girl on the Basra Corniche during New Year’s Eve celebrations, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.
Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani announced the arrests after security forces launched an investigation into the incident, according to a statement from the province’s media center.
A video circling on social media showed dozens of young men harassing a girl during the festivities, prompting angry public reactions.
Eidani said during a press conference that security agencies initiated follow-up operations, which led to the identification and arrest of those involved. He stated that legal measures would be taken against the detainees in accordance with the law.
The governor said the local government “will not tolerate any behavior that violates public morals or disrupts societal security,” emphasizing a commitment to protecting citizens in public spaces during holidays and major events.
Following the incident, security forces intensified their deployment in recreational areas and other gathering points across the city, the statement added.
Eidani concluded by saying Basra would remain a safe city and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report violations to help maintain stability.
Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani announced the arrests after security forces launched an investigation into the incident, according to a statement from the province’s media center.
A video circling on social media showed dozens of young men harassing a girl during the festivities, prompting angry public reactions.
Eidani said during a press conference that security agencies initiated follow-up operations, which led to the identification and arrest of those involved. He stated that legal measures would be taken against the detainees in accordance with the law.
The governor said the local government “will not tolerate any behavior that violates public morals or disrupts societal security,” emphasizing a commitment to protecting citizens in public spaces during holidays and major events.
Following the incident, security forces intensified their deployment in recreational areas and other gathering points across the city, the statement added.
Eidani concluded by saying Basra would remain a safe city and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report violations to help maintain stability.
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