Baghdad police arrest father after viral video appears to show beating of child

BAGHDAD – Police in Baghdad’s Al-Rusafa arrested a father on Sunday after a video surfaced on social media appearing to show him beating his daughter, who had visible signs of torture on her body. The child was immediately taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

In a statement, the police detailed their swift response following the social media report. “Upon receiving a report through social media platforms regarding a man abusing his daughter, a specialised task force from the Ameen Police Department, in collaboration with federal police units, was formed,” the statement read.

Authorities located and arrested the father, who is currently in custody as legal proceedings are underway.

The police say they are also monitoring the condition of the child, who remains hospitalized.

In the video published by the police, a blurred-faced girl, appearing to be around 10 years old, can be seen with scars and bruises on her body.

Domestic and family violence in Iraq has reached critical levels, with nearly 14,000 incidents reported in the first five months of 2024 alone, according to a June 9 report by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. This surge in cases is largely attributed to the lack of effective legislation to combat such violence and protect victims, most of whom are women and children.

Iraq has taken some steps, including adopting two ‘national strategies’ to address domestic violence, establishing the Directorate of Family and Child Protection, and appointing specialized judges in misdemeanor courts to handle domestic violence cases. However, the absence of comprehensive legislation and underreporting continues to hinder efforts.