February 11, 2026
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR) stated that Basra Governorate—Iraq's vital economic artery and financial lung—is undergoing a critical and dangerous phase of "systematic erosion" of its civic space. This erosion is not a result of coincidence or a transient absence of the law, but rather a deliberate undermining process aimed at draining the city’s social vitality. Events over the past months indicate that repression in the city no longer relies on individual behaviors but has evolved into a semi-systematic operation.
IOHR notes that the southern governorate is witnessing an existential struggle between a generation aspiring to live according to the standards of citizenship and groups seeking to impose a system of "moral guardianship" over others. This reality has produced what IOHR defines as the "Multiplicity of Oppressive Authorities," where citizens no longer fear only legal arrest but also "Tribal Attacks" (Al-Daga Al-Asha'iriya), "Social Ostracism," and "Character Assassination" by organized electronic armies.
In recent months, extremist groups have become active in seeking to impose a moral guardianship, mimicking the behavior of the "Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice" that formerly operated in Saudi Arabia. These Iraqi groups derive their power from the "barrels of guns" rather than the rule of law. These parallel entities place civil liberties in direct confrontation with unregulated weapons. IOHR maintains that these practices do not aim at "social reform," but rather at tightening control over the public sphere and subjecting society to a unilateral ideological will.
On New Year's Eve (2025–2026), the "Shatt al-Arab Corniche" witnessed an organized "mass harassment" incident targeting a girl, reflecting a total lack of effective security protection. Security forces only acted on January 3, 2026, following public pressure on social media, arresting 17 suspects. IOHR views this incident as a message of intimidation intended to strip public spaces of their civic character.
Mohammed Al-Yasiri, an activist from Basra, told IOHR: "Public liberties in Basra face structural obstacles, largely linked to the traditional system and tribal customs. These norms have expanded into a coercive authority that limits individuals' choices in their daily lives, from their general appearance to their personal behavior." He added: "Freedom of expression is conditional on not touching the major interests of influential parties; otherwise, individuals face the prospect of legal prosecution or harsh social pressure. Strengthening liberties requires direct support from human rights organizations and the activation of universities and cultural elites to shift public awareness and develop society's understanding of individual rights".
On January 6, 2026, unofficial "Virtue Enforcement Committees," supported by armed elements in civilian clothing, threatened organizers of a charitable artistic festival dedicated to supporting children with cancer, featuring singer Aseel Hameem. The organizers were threatened with "burning down the halls" if musical segments continued, leading to the festival's cancellation. Previously, on November 23, 2025, a concert hall for artist Mohammed Abdul-Jabbar was shut down hours before its start due to threats from armed wings affiliated with political entities, despite the organizers holding official permits. This confirms that weapons are the "ultimate arbiter" in Basra.
These groups place civil liberties in direct confrontation with gun barrels, focusing their activity exclusively on harassing art concerts, cultural events, and intervening in personal appearance. Conversely, they are completely absent regarding citizens' basic rights; they have recorded no protests against the water pollution killing Basra residents or the environmental pollution from oil emissions. This reveals that their primary goal is controlling the public sphere, not defending communal rights.
In July 2025, the Shatt al-Arab district witnessed the repression of popular protests demanding that Basra be declared a "water disaster zone." Coordinators were pursued and threatened, in a blatant violation of Article 38 of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution.
Civil activist Bareq Fawzi told IOHR: "Public liberty indicators in Basra remain weak due to society's adherence to old traditions that resist civic openness. This has made expressing an opinion a hazardous act, where fear of speaking out on core issues prevails."
A female activist, who requested anonymity, told IOHR: "Liberties in Basra are trapped between the jaws of social norms and armed political influence. Citizens find extreme difficulty in choosing their lifestyle due to deep family and tribal interventions. Freedom of expression is a theoretical text on paper; in reality, individuals choose silence as a defensive mechanism to avoid dire consequences from tribal or partisan entities."
The expansion of extremist groups finds fertile ground in the vast tribal influence that challenges the sovereignty of law. Personal liberties have become tied to the strength of one’s tribe, making activists and independents highly vulnerable to extortion. In many cases, "Tribal Authority" has become stronger than "State Authority." This reality has made freedom of expression a risky venture, forcing individuals to practice self-censorship to avoid confrontations where state security institutions may appear unable to face political weapons or tribal influence.
Mustafa Saadoon, Director of IOHR, stated: "What is happening in Basra is a systematic assassination of the civil state. Everyone must respect everyone's liberties; no one can impose their will on others, especially in a city like Basra, known for its diversity and civic life."
IOHR warns that continued pressure from extremist groups will lead to total "civic desertification" in Basra. A state that fails to protect its art, youth, and activists is a state gambling with its legitimacy. Breaking the "compulsory silence" is the only guarantee to prevent Basra from turning into a closed fiefdom ruled by the language of bullets.
Glossary of Terms:
Al-Daga Al-Asha'iriya (Tribal Attack): A traditional but violent practice involving armed groups firing at a rival’s home to intimidate them and force submission to tribal arbitration. In 2018, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council categorized this act as a "terrorist offense" under the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005.
Article 38 of the Iraqi Constitution: The constitutional cornerstone for civil liberties in Iraq, which guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
Unregulated/Uncontrolled Weapons (Al-Sila’ Al-Munfalit): Refers to advanced weaponry held by non-state actors, often affiliated with political factions or powerful tribes. These weapons operate outside state oversight, frequently challenging the government's monopoly on the use of force.
Character Assassination (Electronic Armies): Systematic online defamation campaigns orchestrated by "troll farms" or "electronic armies" to discredit activists. In the Iraqi context, such campaigns often serve as a precursor to physical violence or legal harassment.
Virtue Enforcement Committees: Unofficial groups that appoint themselves as "moral police." Unlike formal institutions, these groups lack legal mandates but utilize their proximity to armed factions to impose social and religious restrictions on personal freedoms and public gatherings.
Economic Vein of Iraq: A term used to describe Basra Governorate, which accounts for over 90% of Iraq’s federal budget through oil exports, highlighting the contrast between the city's immense wealth and its lack of basic services.
