Three suspects arrested in connection with sexual assault in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Baghdad’s Rusafa Police Command has announced the arrest of three individuals accused of breaking into a residence in the Kubaisi Street area and sexually assaulting a young woman.

According to the statement, police received a report about the incident and dispatched patrols from the Zafaraniya Police Unit to the scene.

A specialized task force, led by the head of Zafaraniya Rescue Patrols and supported by units from the Al-Rabee Police Station, coordinated efforts to apprehend the suspects. “An ambush was set, leading to the arrest of all three individuals,” the statement read. Authorities also seized a Kalashnikov rifle in their possession.

The suspects have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are underway.

The Iraqi Penal Code addresses sexual assault primarily through Articles 393 and 398. Article 393 defines rape as engaging in sexual intercourse with a female without her consent or committing sodomy with any person without their consent, with convictions under this article resulting in imprisonment for up to 15 years. Article 398 stipulates that if a perpetrator lawfully marries the victim, any legal action becomes void, effectively allowing individuals accused of rape or sexual assault to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims.