Harassment at Basra amusement park sparks brawl

BASRA — A wave of harassment at the Basra Land amusement park escalated into a physical altercation Tuesday night, prompting local police to intervene and launch a wider crackdown on public misconduct during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, officials said.

Witnesses told 964media that a group of young men began harassing women inside the park, leading to a brawl between multiple individuals. “A group of young men harassed several women, and the situation escalated into a brawl,” one witness said. Security personnel at the site broke up the fight, and police said legal action has been taken against those involved.

The incident prompted Basra Police Chief Lt. Gen. Latif Al-Saad to visit the Maqil district, where the park is located, as well as surrounding neighborhoods.

In a statement, Al-Saad condemned the behavior as “a violation of social norms and traditions” and “an affront to public decency and moral conduct.”

“The Basra Police Command will take strict legal measures against anyone who dares to commit such acts,” he said. “Security forces will not tolerate any behavior that offends our ethical values or threatens social safety.”

The altercation gained wider attention after video footage circulated on social media, drawing public criticism and calls for action. Police have since launched a broader campaign to combat harassment in public areas during the Eid holiday.