Traffic chief and interior minister order investigations into altercation after video circulates

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Traffic Directorate and Interior Ministry on Monday ordered investigations into an altercation between a traffic officer and a civilian driver in Baghdad’s Mansour district, after a video of the incident circulated online.

The traffic director said he had directed “an immediate and urgent investigation to determine the circumstances of the altercation,” adding that legal measures would be taken against anyone proven to be at fault. The statement described traffic personnel as “the watchful eye over the safety of citizens” and said any assault on them “is considered an assault on the law and public order,” while also stressing the need for officers to treat citizens with respect and maintain cooperation with the public.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari separately ordered an investigation into the incident, which took place Sunday and included the arrest of the driver by emergency police patrols. He stressed “the need for careful verification of the details” and said the ministry “will not allow any behavior outside the framework of the law from any party.”