Basra: The Human Rights Office in Basra is demanding a comprehensive disinfection campaign for all sections of Basra Central Prison and the sterilization of inmates’ belongings.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Basra has urged the local government to direct the provincial health department to undertake this critical disinfection campaign. The office emphasized the dire situation due to the excessive overcrowding in Basra Prison, which is currently operating at five times its intended capacity. This overcrowding has led to a significant rise in skin and respiratory allergies among inmates.

The office’s press release highlighted the need for immediate action not only within Basra Central Prison but also across detention facilities under the Ministry of Interior. These facilities include those managed by the Anti-Narcotics, Criminal Investigations, and Intelligence departments, as well as other agency detention centers. The human rights office has called for these facilities to be equipped with necessary disinfection and sterilization materials to curb the spread of health issues among detainees.