Blackmail allegations

Iraqi interior ministry launches investigation into claims of armed assault on Babil woman’s home

BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Interior has launched an investigation after Jana Al-Rubaie, a female Babil engineer, accused a concrete company owner of blackmail and orchestrating an armed attack on her home. The allegations surfaced in an emotional video shared on social media, in which Al-Rubaie tearfully described her ordeal.

“The man bargained with me about my honor,” she said in the video. “When I rejected his despicable demand, I turned to the judiciary for justice. But the situation worsened. He continued to harass and threaten me with fabricated lawsuits, doctored photos, and intimidating messages.”

The video has garnered widespread attention on social media, particularly on Al-Rubaie’s Instagram profile, where many viewers expressed sympathy and called for accountability.

She said she filed a legal complaint against him, trusting the judiciary to provide justice.

According to Al-Rubaie, the situation escalated when the man, accompanied by a person claiming to work for the Minister of Interior’s office and 25 armed men, attacked her home.

“They arrived in five vehicles. The police came, but they didn’t act, even though this was clearly an act of terrorism, not a simple dispute,” she said. “My husband and I were alone and unarmed. I have evidence—videos, messages, and documentation. Any security agency can verify the details through surveillance footage from the area.”

In response, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement confirming that Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari has ordered an investigation:

“Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari has directed the formation of an investigative committee to examine the allegations of blackmail and armed attack against a female engineer in Babylon. The committee has been instructed to complete its report promptly after all legal procedures are concluded.”