Screenshot from a video published by a man claiming to be a former bodyguard for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. In the video, he alleges he was reassigned for refusing to comply with orders he described as a betrayal.
Iraqi government source responds to viral video of man claiming to be prime minister’s former bodyguard
BAGHDAD — A government source on Tuesday responded to a video circulating online featuring a man who claimed he was transferred from his post as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s personal bodyguard after refusing to betray the prime minister.
In a statement distributed to media outlets, the source said the man appearing in the video had previously worked with the security detail of a former Special Division commander. After the formation of the current government, he moved closer to the prime minister’s personal security team and was incorporated into the protection unit.
However, the source added, “The individual shown in the video engaged in misconduct and assaulted an officer. As a result of his behavior, he was removed from the prime minister’s security detail and returned to his original unit. He later deserted service and currently has an absentee conviction recorded against him.”
The source explained, “The person who appeared in the video claimed to have served as a bodyguard for the prime minister. After reviewing and verifying the information, it was confirmed that he served with the former Special Division commander’s security team and later joined the personal protection unit.”
The source continued, “The individual committed misconduct and assaulted an officer. Based on this behavior, he was removed from the protection unit, returned to his previous assignment, subsequently deserted service, and now has an absentee judgment issued against him.”
The video, widely shared on social media, shows the man addressing Prime Minister Al-Sudani directly.
“I address my words to the honorable Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. Sir, during my assignment as your personal bodyguard, conditions were imposed on me that I was required to follow by individuals in positions of authority. These conditions involved betraying you, Mr. Prime Minister, and I refused. I said it is impossible, impossible for me to betray someone who trusted us to protect him. Such an act is large, immoral, and incompatible with my role as a bodyguard,” he said.
He continued, “Mr. Prime Minister, because I refused, they treated me in a manner far removed from professionalism and ethics. I told them, ‘What else do you expect from me here?’ They said, ‘You must leave.’ After a few days, they fabricated charges against me, transferred me to another location, and treated me aggressively. Then they continued to move me from one place to another. This is only one matter that happened to me, Mr. Prime Minister, and there are many more I want to share. I am fully responsible for my words.”