ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Basra authorities on Friday announced the arrest of 17 people following the harassment of a girl on the Basra Corniche during New Year’s Eve celebrations, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.
Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani announced the arrests after security forces launched an investigation into the incident, according to a statement from the province’s media center.
A video circling on social media showed dozens of young men harassing a girl during the festivities, prompting angry public reactions.
Eidani said during a press conference that security agencies initiated follow-up operations, which led to the identification and arrest of those involved.