Police officer arrested in Dhi Qar over alleged sexual assault at police station

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Police in Dhi Qar province have opened an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on a minor girl inside a police station in the provincial capital, and arrested an officer in connection with the case. According to security sources, the incident began when an emergency police patrol stopped the girl, who appeared intoxicated, on a public road and took her to a women’s police section at the police headquarters. She was returned to her family the same night. Statements later taken from security personnel contained allegations that an officer assigned to a section of the facility had sexually assaulted her. The Dhi Qar police chief ordered the officer’s arrest and his transfer to prison pending the completion of the investigation. Sources said the necessary procedures are underway to refer the case to the judiciary.