Iraqi Judiciary Fails Rape Victims

Incidents of rape are not receiving much attention in Iraq, as political divisions and protests take center stage in the country’s media, reports Bushra Al Mudhafar.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - JULY 21: An Iraqi girl begs drivers for money at an intersection on July 21, 2011 in Baghdad, Iraq. While a recent United Nations report saw a significant potential for economic growth in Iraq, the current poverty rate is around 23% of the population. As the deadline for the departure of the remaining American forces in Iraq approaches, Iraqi politicians have been increasingly pressured to give a final decision about extending the mandate for a small U.S. military presence beyond the end of
An Iraqi girl begs drivers for money at an intersection on July 21, 2011 in Baghdad, Iraq. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Bushra.jpg
Bushra Al Mudhafar
Read in 

While political crises and electoral campaigns dominate Iraq’s political scene, local media outlets have discretely released the story of the horrifying gang rape of seven-year-old Samah Ali Hussein in the poverty-stricken region of al-Washash, west of the capital.

With heart-wrenching details, eyewitnesses and relatives of the child recount the incident that took place on Feb. 27, when three young men raped Hussein near a police station.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more