Diwaniyah: The Human Rights Commission is actively following the investigation procedures concerning an assault incident inside a police station in Diwaniyah.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the High Commission for Human Rights/Diwaniyah Office has announced its close monitoring of the investigation and legal proceedings related to reports of an immoral assault on a female detainee at the Al-Nahda Police Station, which operates under the Diwaniyah Police Command. This action is in line with Article (5) of the Commission Law No. (53) of 2008, which involves receiving complaints, conducting preliminary investigations, carrying out field inspections of detention centers, initiating legal proceedings, and referring cases to human rights courts.
The Commission revealed in a press release that it has formed a specialized field team from the Monitoring Division of the Criminal Justice File to investigate the incident and verify the facts, in accordance with its legally granted powers. The field investigation confirmed that an assault and abuse occurred against a female detainee by an officer and three other personnel, who took advantage of the staff being occupied with other security duties.
The Commission praised the prompt response by the Diwaniyah Police Command, which immediately ordered the detention of the officer and the three accused personnel upon discovering the incident through security cameras. To ensure her safety, the detained woman was transferred to the Detention and Transfer Department. The Commission's team conducted a private interview with the detainee at her new location to assess her physical and psychological condition and to inform her of her legal rights to file complaints. The team documented her account of the incident and her position on filing a personal complaint.
The High Commission for Human Rights highlighted that the victim's decision to waive or refuse to file a personal complaint does not negate the public right, given the seriousness of the crime and its blatant violation of the ethics of security work and the sanctity of detention facilities.
The Commission stressed the importance of completing the judicial and disciplinary investigations against the officer and the three accused, referring them to the judiciary for appropriate legal action, and informing the Commission of the outcomes. Additionally, it recommended providing comprehensive health and psychological care to the detainee and ensuring she is not subjected to any pressure that could affect her legal standing. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting unannounced visits to detention centers and holding facilities to document violations, ensure the respect of detainees' rights, and monitor the progress of judicial investigations until final judgments are issued in accordance with the law.