Iraq addresses viral prison video: Old footage, new allegations
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iraq's Justice Ministry dismissed viral footage showing inmate abuse inside Baghdad's al-Taji prison as 'outdated.'
'Disciplinary and legal measures were taken against both the inmates and staff involved,' ministry spokesperson Ahmed Laibi Abdul Hussein stated, adding that some individuals shown in the footage were released under Iraq's General Amnesty Law, which permits the conditional release of certain categories of prisoners.
Officials linked the timing of the video's release to a recent attempt to smuggle narcotics into al-Taji prison. 'Most detainees at the facility are convicted drug traffickers,' the ministry noted, accusing unknown actors of attempting to discredit recent security operations.
Iraq's correctional system has faced criticism from human rights groups over poor conditions and recurring abuse allegations. The Justice Network for Prisoners claims that over 80% of detention facilities are structurally unfit and frequently overcrowded, adding that Iraq's 31 prisons house over 65,000 inmates in facilities designed for half that number.
Al-Taji prison, in particular, has been the subject of past abuse allegations. Testimonies from former inmates and NGO reports cite severe overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and mistreatment by guards.
International observers, including the UN and Human Rights Watch, have urged Iraq to overhaul detention conditions, enforce accountability, and separate detainees based on charges to prevent further violations.
Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry reiterated its commitment to legal oversight and pledged to pursue disciplinary action against any violations within the country's prisons.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
24 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Pakistan Senate unanimously backs Iran in Israel standoff
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Pakistan's Senate unanimously approved a resolution backing Iran in its confrontation with Israel. The Senate vote followed remarks by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Iran, describing it as both a neighbor and a 'brotherly nation.' In his address, Asif urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency summit to help shape a unified response among Muslim countries. He also underlined Pakistan's longstanding position on Israel, noting that the country has never recognized it nor maintained diplomatic ties. Islamabad's stance comes amid regional backlash over Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a series of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The attacks resulted in the deaths of senior commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and several scientists, prompting strong condemnation from across the region. Iran responded with True Promise 3, launching hundreds of drones and missiles in what it described as the largest direct strike on Israeli territory to date. The exchange marks a significant escalation between the two countries.
Shafaq News
24 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Turkiye grants visas to stranded Iraqis as Basra reopens for flights
Shafaq News/ Turkish authorities are continuing to issue entry visas to stranded Iraqis arriving from third countries and seeking to return home, Iraq's ambassador to Turkiye confirmed on Sunday. In a statement, Ambassador Majid Al-Lajmawi said that the Iraqi Embassy in Ankara is closely coordinating with Turkish authorities to facilitate the issuance of five-day entry visas for stranded Iraqi nationals. 'The measure follows directives from Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aims to ensure an orderly and secure return of Iraqis stranded at Turkish airports due to recent regional developments that prompted the airspace shutdown.' He also announced the launch of a new direct flight route between Dubai and Basra, operated by Iraqi Airways with two daily flights. Iraq's Ministry of Transport recently confirmed that air traffic remains suspended across the country's airports—except for Basra International Airport, which reopened for daytime operations starting Sunday. Additionally, the head of Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority, Benkin Rikani, noted that these measures fall under the broader efforts of the Iraqi government to secure an orderly and safe return for nationals affected by the ongoing regional crisis. تحديث معلومات للعراقيين المتواجدين في الخارج ١- بالنسبة الى تركيا تمنح فيزا في مطار اسطنبول للقادمين والراغبين للدخول براً بناءاً على تدخل سفارتنا في تركيا .٢- من يوم غد سيم افتتاح مطار البصرة والبدء بتوجيه جميع الشركات لاعادة المسافرين اليه بدلاً من المطارات العراقية الاخرى… — بنگين ريكاني Bangen Rekani (@BangenRe) June 14, 2025
Shafaq News
33 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Missiles fly: Israel, Iran continue direct strikes
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Israel launched strikes into Iranian territory targeting a fuel transport aircraft at Mashhad airport, while Iranian forces retaliated with a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles. The Israeli army confirmed that the airstrike on Mashhad, located 2,300 kilometers from Israel, marked the most distant attack in the history of its air force. However, Iranian state media, cited by Reuters, reported that Mashhad Airport and its runway were not damaged in the strike. The Iranian news agency Fars reported that Israeli strikes also hit the Tehran Grand Police Headquarters, resulting in injuries among Iranian police personnel. Additional Israeli missiles reportedly struck a residential building near Keshavarz Street and targeted sites in Arak and Tabriz, where explosions were heard across western Iran. Missiles also landed near the Iraqi embassy and areas housing Iranian intelligence offices in Tehran. According to Reuters, at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in the Israeli attacks, which included both airstrikes and car bombings. In retaliation, Iran launched over 50 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory, and the Israeli army revealed that the Iranian strikes targeted key infrastructure, including a power station in Hadera and a residence in Caesarea belonging to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's family. He later stated that American pilots had assisted in intercepting the incoming drones. The Israeli Home Front Command extended the country's special emergency status until June 30, 2025, amid continued Iranian strikes. Public gatherings and in-person schooling remain suspended until at least June 15, with exceptions only for essential services.
