Najaf court sentences man for blackmailing underage cousin

NAJAF – The Najaf Criminal Court sentenced a man to six years in prison on Thursday for blackmailing his underage cousin by posting her photos on social media, demanding money and a sexual relationship, a source from the court said.

“The Najaf Criminal Court issued a six-year prison sentence against the defendant under Article 430/1 of the Penal Code,” the source told 964media.

The sentence comes after the defendant used social media to share his cousin’s photos as a means of extortion. According to the source, “The defendant demanded money from his cousin and pressured her into a sexual relationship.”

Under the ruling, the defendant may be included in the General Amnesty Law—enacted on Jan. 21, 2025—if the victim’s family drops the case.

Article 430/1 of the Iraqi Penal Code provides that any person who threatens another with committing a felony against them or their property, or threatens to reveal dishonorable matters—especially when such threats are accompanied by a demand or coercion to act or refrain from acting—is punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years.