Khaberni - The Governor of Basra, Asaad Al-Eidani, announced today, Friday, the arrest of 17 individuals after an incident that shook Iraq, characterized by mass harassment of a girl on the province's corniche on New Year's Eve.
In a press statement relayed by "Shafaq News" agency, Asaad Al-Eidani stated that "the security forces immediately moved after the incident occurred, and managed to identify and arrest the involved individuals after monitoring and investigation," confirming that "legal procedures will be taken against them according to the law."
Al-Eidani affirmed that "the local government will not tolerate any behavior that affects public morals or disturbs the community's security, emphasizing the 'importance of maintaining the safety of citizens, especially in public places that witness large gatherings during events'."
He explained that "the security forces have intensified their deployment in entertainment areas and gathering places, with the aim of ensuring the security of families and visitors and preventing the recurrence of such incidents."
The governor concluded by affirming that "Basra will remain a safe city," calling on citizens to "cooperate with the security agencies and report any violations that contribute to enhancing security and stability."
Video clips circulating on social media showed a group of youths harassing a girl during a gathering to celebrate New Year's Eve on Basra's corniche, in an incident that stirred local public opinion and was considered as "inhumane and unethical" behavior, amid calls for the severest penalties for the harassers.
