Basra activists file lawsuit against Shalamcheh border crossing administration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Activists in Basra have filed a lawsuit against the administration of the Shalamcheh border crossing, citing ongoing legal cases they say were brought in retaliation for their criticism of the crossing's practices. The activists have accused the head of the Iraqi Border Ports Authority on social media of orchestrating the complaints against them. According to an activist who spoke to a news agency, an arrest warrant was issued against activist Hussein al-Shahmani under Article 226 of the Iraqi Penal Code on charges of insulting officials, following a complaint filed with the Press and Publications Court. Al-Shahmani faces detention over posts criticizing the border crossing's operations. Last week, activist Mustafa al-Mayahi was held for more than two days after a complaint was filed by the Border Ports Authority. His detention stemmed from criticism of a 3,000-dinar fee levied on citizens entering through the Shalamcheh crossing, according to the account provided. The activists say the lawsuits are part of a broader effort to silence public criticism of the border crossing's management.