Baghdad police detain suspects in Mansour harassment case

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Baghdad police said Monday they detained several suspects in a harassment case in the Mansour district that drew wide attention on social media. Officers obtained judicial approvals, tracked the suspects, identified them and arrested some of them shortly after video footage of the incident spread online. The suspects were detained under Article 402 of the Iraqi Penal Code on charges of harassment and public indecency, and referred to the relevant authorities to complete the investigation. The provision carries a penalty of up to three months in prison or a fine for individuals who assault others or commit acts contrary to public morality in public spaces. The case began with the recording of an alleged harassment of a young woman. After the footage circulated quickly across platforms, authorities accelerated the investigation, the police statement said. No further details on the number of detainees or the case's next legal steps were immediately available.