PM orders investigation into abuse of civilians in Mosul

Iraq’s prime minister has ordered an investigation into alleged cases of abuse against civilians by members of the Iraqi security forces and Shia paramilitary groups during a campaign to retake the city of Mosul from the Daesh militant group. Haider Al-Abadi said that he has ordered the formation of a committee to examine “cases of kidnappings, mistreatment and violations” against civilians by “groups that exploit the good name” of Iraqi soldiers and Shia and Sunni paramilitaries.

“The abuses were recorded and then posted on social media to spoil the joy of victory and to defame the real image of the brave security forces and their sacrifices to liberate the land and to maintain security,” he added. Stressing “respect for human rights,” the prime minister pointed out that field commanders should make sure that no human rights violations are committed under the cover of military operations.

“The Joint Special Operations Command has opened an investigation into a video purportedly showing the brutal treatment and killing of Daesh suspects,” explained the army’s Lieutenant Samir Daoud Mohsen. “High-ranking officers are investigating the recording.”

This was a reference to a video circulating on social media on Saturday which allegedly shows members of the Iraqi security forces standing next to military vehicles while beating four people believed to be members of Daesh before shooting them. The UN Mission in Iraq has called on Abadi’s government to investigate the incident.