Accused of 'spreading fake news'
Journalist arrested in Diwaniyah over hospital fire
DIWANIYAH, January 22 — A journalist in Diwaniyah Governorate was arrested Monday by the National Security Service, a security source told 964media.
Diaa Al-Mahja was apprehended in Al-Thawra Street in connection with a recent fire at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The arrest follows allegations of Al-Mahja publishing ‘fake news’ about the hospital fire, which occurred two weeks ago.
The fire at the hospital resulted in the tragic deaths of four children and the evacuation of 150 children and over 190 adults.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed accountability for those found negligent and ordered an investigation into the company responsible for the hospital’s rehabilitation work.
Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi dismissed the hospital director and initiated an investigation into the incident.