A view of Baghdad city
Baghdad
Residents near Abu Ghraib prison report months-long cell jamming disruption
BAGHDAD – Residents living near Baghdad Central Prison, commonly known as Abu Ghraib, have endured severe cellular network disruptions for more than four months, local complaints revealed. Despite repeated appeals to the Ministries of Communications and Justice, authorities have yet to resolve the issue.
Muthanna Al-Zobaie, a resident of nearby Khan Dhari, told 964media that the interference has “disrupted communication within the community” and adversely affected daily routines, from scheduling visits to attending social events.
Local leaders and activists have urged authorities to take action, suggesting that modern technology could be used to confine signal interference to the prison area without impacting surrounding neighborhoods.
A Justice Ministry source acknowledged that prison signal jamming can affect nearby areas but stated that “controlling the level of interference is the responsibility of the National Security Service.” Ahmed Al-Laibi, a Justice Ministry official, told 964media that the ministry “only blocks signals inside prison halls, not outside,” noting that weak telecom infrastructure might also contribute to the problem.
A source inside Abu Ghraib prison indicated that the jamming originates from the facility and explained that such measures require formal requests from the Justice Ministry. The issue has prompted complaints from residents as well as intervention from members of parliament and the Baghdad Provincial Council, though no resolution has been announced.
Authorities implement cellular signal blocks inside prisons to prevent inmates from using unauthorized devices for illegal activities, enhance security, and restrict unmonitored communication.
