Iraqi parliament to open file on Basra fisherman killed in armed attack

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's parliamentary Security and Defense Commission is preparing to open the case of fisherman Ahmed Necip, who was killed off the coast of Basra, and to hold an expanded hearing on the incident. The session is expected to bring in the commander of the Iraqi Navy, the head of the coast guard and officials of the Favur Fishermen's Association to review the details of the attack, assign responsibility and discuss measures to prevent similar incidents. Commission members said the safety of Iraqi fishermen is a priority and that oversight of maritime protection measures will continue. They added that strengthening those protections will remain under review. The parliamentary move follows public reaction in Basra after the killing of Necip Abdullah Khaled in an armed attack on an Iraqi fishing boat. A group of fishermen detained in connection with the incident were later returned to Iraq through the Sevwan border crossing along with the victim's body and an injured fisherman. The Iraqi government has directed the relevant institutions to follow up on the case and initiate legal proceedings, stating that the safety of citizens and their property will be protected. No further details on the investigation were immediately available.