Traffic officer under investigation after viral video appears to show assault on driver

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s General Traffic Directorate said Tuesday it has taken legal action against an officer after a video circulated online appearing to show the officer slapping a truck driver at Baghdad’s Shaab checkpoint.

The footage, which spread widely on social media, sparked public criticism and prompted a response from authorities.

“Based on what was circulated on social media of a video showing a traffic officer assaulting a citizen at one of the checkpoints, legal action has been taken against the officer for this unacceptable behavior in dealing with the citizen,” the directorate said in a statement.

It added that the General Traffic Directorate is committed to humane treatment of all citizens and that any misconduct will lead to “strict legal procedures,” in line with directives from the interior minister and traffic chief.