Protests erupt in Najaf over alleged police torture leading to detainee’s death

NAJAF — Hundreds of members of the Al-Silawi tribe gathered Friday in the area surrounding the airport northwest of Najaf to demand justice for Hassan Al-Silawi, a young man who died in police custody last week. The protesters called on the Ministries of Health and Interior to expedite the release of the official autopsy report to determine the true cause of death and to hold accountable any officers involved.

Police have claimed Hassan died of kidney failure, but his family and fellow detainees insist he was tortured to death while being held on charges of theft.

Hussein Karim, a fellow detainee, described the ordeal. “The police arrested both Hassan and myself without explanation, accusing us of stealing 70 million dinars and two kilograms of gold. They tortured us with electric shocks, hung us in stress positions, and forced us to drink bleach,” he told 964 media.

“In his final hours, Hassan was taken for more torture and returned unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he told me he needed a hospital. I later learned of his death on the news. Hassan was healthy when we were arrested—he died because of the torture,” Karim added.

Ali Al-Silawi, the tribal leader, dismissed rumors that the family had agreed to resolve the case through tribal mediation. “We have chosen the legal route and demand accountability. The autopsy report must be accurate, and if we detect any manipulation, we will escalate by transferring Hassan’s body to Baghdad for further examination,” he said.

“We are here today to ensure the report reflects the truth. If there’s tampering, the Al-Silawi tribe will take matters into its own hands,” Ali warned.

Hassan’s father, Nasir Al-Silawi, expressed similar concerns. “We’ve received information about bribes being offered to alter the autopsy results—up to half a million dollars. Hassan named his torturers before his death, and we hold them responsible. He was in perfect health when arrested,” he stated.

Najaf police issued a statement on Dec. 1 denying allegations of torture. According to the police, Hassan had been in custody since Nov. 6 on charges of theft and died of kidney failure after receiving medical treatment.

“At midnight on Nov. 30, Hassan’s health deteriorated, and he was transferred to the German Hospital for treatment. Despite care from medical specialists, he died on Dec. 1,” the statement read.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari has launched an investigation, pledging to announce the findings publicly. “The official autopsy report will determine the true cause of death,” ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Muqdad Meeri said.

“The ministry is committed to enforcing human rights and the rule of law. If any wrongdoing is uncovered, those responsible will face accountability,” he added.

Jowad Al-Ghazali, a member of parliament representing Najaf, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations. “A parliamentary committee has been formed to investigate the case in coordination with the Ministers of Interior and Health. If there’s any doubt about the autopsy results, we will demand the body be transferred to Baghdad for reexamination,” he said.

“Police brutality, including torture, is illegal and unethical. It forces false confessions and undermines the justice system. We will ensure those responsible are held to account,” Al-Ghazali added.

On Nov. 28, 2024, the Iraqi Parliamentary Human Rights Committee issued a statement expressing deep concern over increasing reports of torture in investigative detention centers, where confessions are allegedly extracted through force, violating fundamental human rights. “These practices constitute a clear breach of the Iraqi Constitution, which safeguards human dignity, as well as international treaties ratified by Iraq, including the Convention Against Torture,” the committee emphasized.