Social researcher Mustafa Al-Taie observed today, Wednesday, that the recent campaign to close nightclubs in some areas of Baghdad cannot be considered a significant impact on citizens' freedoms, as it targeted unlicensed clubs. In an interview with "Baghdad Today," Al-Taie stated, "There is no complete closure of all nightclubs in Baghdad; rather, some clubs and cafes that were non-compliant and unlicensed were closed, which certainly does not affect citizens' freedoms as there are still other clubs operating."
He pointed out that "a complete closure of nightclubs would definitely impact citizens' freedoms, and we do not believe there is a government or security direction towards that. However, closing down some non-compliant nightclubs, particularly those close to residential areas, has social benefits. These clubs should be far from families and residential areas so they do not affect their freedoms and restrict their movements."
Recently, residents of the Karada area hung thank-you banners for the Minister of Interior on the walls, calling for the continuation of the campaign to close gambling places and nightclubs, which the ministry has been conducting since February. The Ministry of Interior had previously stated that it acted on the decision to close nightclubs in Baghdad, which number over 78, both licensed and unlicensed, following complaints from citizens living nearby.
