Police deny reports of station storming in Babil, cite ‘misunderstanding’ over detainee’s release

BABIL — Police in Babil on Monday denied reports that a group stormed Al-Jabal police station in Al-Balda, saying the claims were false and stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a former detainee’s release.

In a statement, local police said, “We emphasize our constant commitment to transparency and clarifying facts to the public. We would like to clarify that the reports shared by some social media platforms about a group storming Al-Jabal police station in the Al-Balda sector (Al-Ṣub Al-Kabir) are false.”

Authorities said the confusion began when a former inmate, who had completed a sentence at a Baghdad correctional facility, was transferred to Al-Jabal police station due to an additional legal case. After undergoing standard criminal database checks, he was handed over based on a separate legal request.

Police said a group of the man’s relatives and supporters gathered outside the station to celebrate his release, which some onlookers misinterpreted as a forced entry or attack. Videos and reports shared online soon spread claims that the station had been stormed.

The individual was later found eligible for release under Iraq’s recently amended General Amnesty Law and was freed by judicial order.

“We urge all citizens, media outlets, and social media users to be cautious, avoid spreading rumors or misinterpretations, and rely on official sources for accurate information,” the statement added.