Iraqi MP says captain arrested for torture death of military personnel

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Iraq's parliamentary Security and Defense Commission said a captain accused of torturing a military servicemember to death has been arrested in a coordinated operation with the Military Intelligence Directorate and referred to the competent judicial authority. Ali Inhir al-Saray said the suspect, Captain Ahmed al-Samerai, faces charges under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code and Article 160, which covers abuse of office. The victim was identified as military personnel Muhammad al-Rikabi. In a written statement, al-Saray said the accused would receive a fair trial and face the punishment he deserves. He also called on all security units, investigators and officers to adhere to human rights standards, prevent forced confessions and avoid all forms of torture. Al-Saray stressed that legal and humane methods must be applied to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice. No further details on the arrest or the next stages of the judicial process were immediately available.