Justice minister orders heightened security measures in Iraqi prisons

BAGHDAD — Justice Minister Khaled Shwani on Tuesday directed stricter security measures across all Iraqi prisons, emphasizing the need to raise readiness levels and strengthen coordination with security authorities.

In a statement, the Ministry of Justice said Shwani chaired an expanded meeting to “discuss and evaluate the security preparedness of prisons and provide their requirements.”

The statement said the meeting included “a comprehensive discussion of the preventive measures in place inside prisons and ways to strengthen them through providing the necessary logistical support and securing technical and security requirements that ensure continued stability and raise the level of readiness.”

Shwani directed that “the operational force in prisons be at the highest level of readiness and vigilance,” stressing adherence to “the utmost levels of caution in carrying out duties.”

He also underscored “the importance of intensifying coordination and continuous communication with the security forces responsible for the security file surrounding the prisons, to ensure unity of decision and rapid response to any emergency,” according to the statement.

The meeting comes as Iraqi air defenses shot down a drone that attempted to approach Abu Ghraib prison west of Baghdad on Monday, the Security Media Cell said, moving quickly to reassure the public after reports circulated about developments near the facility.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting military infrastructure and leadership facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial strikes, according to Iranian state media. Iran has since launched waves of missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied bases, diplomatic missions and military infrastructure across the Middle East.