Residents protest wave of arrests in Baghdad’s Al-Adhamiyah

BAGHDAD — Dozens of residents in the Al-Adhamiyah district gathered outside the shrine of Abu Hanifa Al-Nu’man on Tuesday, appealing directly to Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani over a wave of sudden arrest warrants and detentions.

Locals expressed frustration and confusion over the re-arrest of individuals who had previously been released, claiming that some were being targeted by alleged blackmail and extortion.

In recent days, residents reported receiving official notices ordering several individuals with past legal cases—who had already been released—to report to investigation centers. A local resident told 964media, “Around 15 people have been summoned so far, and many have already left the area, fearing re-arrest.”

Um Ali, the sister of one detainee, spoke about her brother’s situation. “We are residents of Al-Adhamiyah. My brother, a car electrician, was released in 2016 with the approval of three judges,” she said. “Now we’ve been notified that his name is on a wanted list again, and he will be sent back to prison, despite there being no new charges against him.”

She added, “We don’t know how the arrest order was issued. The group that came to detain him was from the National Security Service. We organized a peaceful protest in front of the Abu Hanifa shrine, but we were told to leave the area and consult the relevant authorities instead.”

The arrests coincide with the passage of a controversial new general amnesty bill.

Isam Ali, another protester, expressed concern about the timing of the re-arrests. “We’re facing a wave of arrests and summonses for people who were convicted in previous cases and released with official papers. Some of them have been out of prison for over 12 years. Why are these cases being reopened now?” he asked.

“Even the security forces responsible for the area don’t know the reason behind these arrests. My friend was taken by the National Security Service without explanation,” he added.

Repeated attempts to reach National Security Service spokesperson Arshad Al-Hakim for comment went unanswered.

Protesters are demanding immediate intervention from Prime Minister Al-Sudani and the Minister of Interior. “We fully cooperate with the security forces, and our area is stable,” Ali said. “We just want clarity and justice.”