Iraq human rights body condemns police misconduct in Karbala, Kirkuk

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights has condemned footage circulating on social media showing police officers in Karbala and Kirkuk engaging in what it described as "inhuman and unlawful" conduct toward citizens. In a written statement, the commission said such individual violations undermine the work of security forces and undercut the sacrifices made to protect the public. The commission noted that training programs conducted jointly with the Human Rights Unit of the Ministry of Interior will continue, with workshops and courses for law enforcement personnel planned in several cities. It also welcomed measures taken by the ministry to hold those responsible for the violations accountable. Officials called for expanded, continuous training programs that uphold citizens' dignity, reinforce the rule of law and center human rights standards. The statement stressed that security personnel carrying out their duties in line with human rights criteria is essential to strengthening public trust in security institutions. No further details on the incidents or the ministry's accountability steps were immediately available.