Mosul court releases social media creator 'Abu Janna' on bail

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Mosul investigative court has converted the detention order against social media content creator "Abu Janna" into release on financial bail after roughly two weeks in custody, his lawyer said on Thursday. The court ruled after the prosecution and judicial authorities found the money-laundering suspicions insufficient at the current stage, according to attorney Mohammed Keraf. Keraf told Shafaq News that the case is also being examined under Article 456 of the Iraqi Penal Code on fraud charges, which the law classifies as a misdemeanor. The court approved the bail release after the legal detention period expired and a major part of the investigation was completed, the lawyer said, adding that four guarantors have pledged to bring Abu Janna before the judicial authorities when required. The attorney said the legal process is continuing and the file will be heard within the established legal framework. Keraf did not provide further details on upcoming hearings. Security sources had said Abu Janna was detained on May 31 as part of a probe into the source of money and gifts he distributed on social media platforms, not the content he posted. The same sources said videos published by the creator showed him handing out new cars, motorcycles and other gifts.