Babylon police officers detained after attack on street vendor caught on video

BABYLON, Iraq — Police officers shown attacking a street vendor in footage that circulated on social media have been suspended and ordered detained, the Babylon Provincial Police Command said. The provincial police chief, Major General Abbas Hassan Nasir al-Husseini, directed that the officers be referred for legal action and held in custody in line with the law. The footage, shared by social media users on the same day, appeared to show officers assigned to the Babylon outer-road area of responsibility assaulting vendors operating along the roadside. The provincial command said selling along outer roads obstructs traffic flow and contributes to accidents, calling the practice dangerous. Officials said the law applies to everyone and that any officer found to have neglected duty or violated rules will face legal and disciplinary proceedings without exception. No further details on the detained officers or the injured vendor were immediately available.