Baghdad: The Iraqi National Security Service (NSS) addressed the controversy surrounding the appearance of images of the former regime’s leader during a concert at an entertainment complex in Baghdad.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the NSS released an official statement on Friday, explaining that the image surfaced within a video that accompanied the performance, showcasing figures and regimes from dictatorial backgrounds. The NSS emphasized that there was no intention to glorify the former regime or promote its symbols. The statement further clarified that there was no raid or intrusion into the concert and no arrests of band members. Instead, the security response was described as a formal and standard inquiry, and any information suggesting otherwise was deemed incorrect.

The reports circulating on social media earlier on Friday claimed that the NSS had conducted a raid at the Al-Nakheel entertainment complex the previous night after the image of former regime leader Saddam Hussein was displayed. It was alleged that Egyptian and Jordanian band members were detained for questioning over the matter of glorification. However, these reports were refuted by the NSS statement.