Inmates at Hilla Reform Prison stage limited riot over drug charges, Iraq says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Justice said a limited number of inmates serving sentences for drug offenses staged a riot at Hilla Islah Reform Prison south of Baghdad. In a written statement, the ministry said the unrest broke out after authorities tightened security measures to prevent banned substances from entering the section and to maintain order. The ministry said the Justice Minister, upon being informed, immediately dispatched a specialist investigation team from the Iraqi Reform Department's headquarters to the site. The team will determine the causes and circumstances of the incident on the ground, identify those responsible and initiate the legal procedures required under current legislation, according to the statement. The ministry stressed that reform sections operate in line with relevant laws and human rights standards, and that the safety and rights of inmates are fully respected. It added that the general situation is stable, the incident has been brought under control and prison operations are continuing as normal.