Baghdad: The Ministry of Interior affirmed on Sunday its continued monitoring of sorcerers and charlatans without any leniency or exception, while indicating that it has taken strict security measures and launched awareness campaigns to curb this phenomenon.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Ministry spokesman Colonel Mohammed Ali al-Hassoun stated that confronting the practices of sorcery and charlatanry is part of the Ministry’s responsibility to protect society from fraud and exploitation. He explained that some unscrupulous individuals exploit the needs of citizens or their psychological and social circumstances to ensnare them and steal their money through false claims that have no legal or scientific basis, which constitutes an attack on the security and stability of society.
He added that based on its duty to enforce the law, the specialized security formations continue to monitor and track these practices and take legal action against anyone who uses magic, sorcery, or charlatanry as a means of fraud, extortion, or illicit gain, referring them to the judiciary to receive their just punishment, without any leniency or exception. He pointed out that addressing this phenomenon is not limited to security measures alone, but also depends on raising the level of community awareness through media and educational campaigns that highlight the dangers of falling victim to charlatans and fraudsters.
He called on citizens not to be swayed by false promises that exploit their suffering or needs to achieve illicit gains, urging them to cooperate with the security services and immediately report anyone practicing magic, sorcery, or charlatanry with the intent of fraud or extortion, via the emergency hotline (911) or the nearest police station.
He emphasized that prompt reporting contributes to protecting others and preventing the spread of these crimes, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law and prosecuting anyone who tampers with the security of society or exploits citizens under any pretext. He stressed that protecting human beings, their dignity, and their property will remain at the forefront of its priorities, noting that the law will remain the sword that deters anyone who tries to deceive or exploit people.