Iraqi First Lady: Harassment is Violence, Silence in the Face of It is Complicity

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed.

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed issued a statement regarding an attack on a girl in Basra Governorate during New Year's celebrations, stressing that there is no excuse for such behavior, welcoming the arrest of those involved.

The First Lady's statement read:

"I am outraged by the reports of a young girl being harassed on the Basra Corniche during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Harassment is violence. Silence in the face of it is complicity.

This behavior does not reflect our values, our culture, or our future.

There is no excuse for such behavior. I welcome the arrest of those involved and expect the law to be enforced firmly and transparently. Accountability is essential if we are to protect women, girls, and our public spaces."



PUKMEDIA