Karbala police arrest suspect in child abuse video

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Police in Karbala have arrested a suspect accused of assaulting a child in footage that circulated on social media, the provincial police directorate said. Security units identified the videos and opened an investigation, according to a directorate statement. A joint team from the Karbala Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Directorate and the Family and Child Protection Unit within the police directorate was formed to examine the circumstances of the incident. The team identified the suspect and located him before carrying out the arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and legal proceedings have been initiated against him under applicable law, the statement said. The directorate added that the operation was carried out within the framework of existing legislation and was intended to support efforts to protect families and children and reinforce public safety.