ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi government has launched an investigation after a video reportedly recorded inside Maysan Central Prison showed inmates alleging corruption at the facility, a spokesperson for Iraq’s justice ministry told Rudaw on Sunday.
“After a video clip was circulated from inside Amarah Central Prison, the Minister of Justice ordered the formation of an investigative committee yesterday. The committee is expected to complete its report and recommendations today, and the results will be announced to the public today,” Murad Saadi said.
He stressed that corruption and violations will not be tolerated, saying: “Based on the committee’s findings, strict legal and administrative measures will be taken against negligent individuals, and their names will be referred to the competent court.”
On Saturday, a video of several inmates inside Amarah Central Prison circulated on social media. In the video, the inmates covered their faces and made serious complaints addressed to the Ministers of Justice and Interior, as well as to the Sadrist movement and religious authorities.
In the video, prisoners accuse officials at Maysan Central Prison of widespread corruption and abuse. They claim Galaxy mobile phones are sold to inmates for 1.5 million Iraqi dinars, confiscated, and then resold at the same price. The inmates also allege that drugs are widely available inside the prison, even more than on the streets, with officials facilitating their entry. They further accuse specific officials of mistreatment and extortion, saying inmates must pay between 100,000 and 300,000 dinars to be transferred between cells. Additionally, prisoners claim that during family visits, their wives’ jewelry is confiscated and religious sanctities are disrespected by prison staff.