Man arrested in Dhi Qar for promoting Qurban group ideology to minors

DHI QAR — Intelligence units in Suq Al-Shuyukh, Dhi Qar, arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday on charges of promoting the ideology of the Al-Alaahiyah, known as the “Qurban” group, through social media platforms, according to a security source who spoke to 964media.

The source said the suspect was accused of targeting youth, especially minors, and encouraging them to spread the group’s beliefs online.

His arrest followed confessions made by two individuals previously detained over similar allegations in the past two weeks.

The suspect has been referred for investigation and legal procedures are underway.

The Qurban group promotes radical Shia beliefs and has been blamed for encouraging suicide during religious rituals.

Authorities described the group as a deviant faction that elevates Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib to divine status—views that sharply diverge from mainstream Shia doctrine. Officials say these teachings have contributed to multiple suicides in Iraq’s southern governorates and have triggered a security crackdown.

The group’s activities have raised concern among religious leaders and security forces, who warn that its ideology undermines social stability and distorts established religious traditions.

In recent months, Iraqi security forces have launched multiple operations to locate and detain individuals tied to the movement.