ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Reports of a crackdown on the wearing of shorts in Iraq's Anbar province have given rise to debate on social media, with some activists and observers claiming the restrictions violate constitutionally guaranteed personal freedoms and are indicative of local authorities shifting focus away from more pressing issues.

Unconstitutional security campaign

Anbar police have started enforcing new rules to limit wearing Bermuda shorts and other short shorts in public areas. The security forces say this effort is part of “protecting public morals and local traditions” in the tribal province.

Activist Mohammed al-Azzawi told The New Region that the police actions break Iraqi laws and go against the Public Freedoms Law in the Iraqi constitution.

He said arrests should be based on clear legal reasons and a judge’s order, following a crime or violation.

“What is happening is an unfair attempt to force certain behavior,” he said. “We live in a civil state where citizens can choose where to go, what to wear, and what to eat or drink, as long as it does not defy the constitution.”

Reports on social media say security forces are targeting young men who wear Bermuda shorts. The public is divided, some support the campaign as protecting public decency, while others see it as violating personal freedom.

Anbar is a tribal province controlled by the Taqaddum Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi. The party won the last provincial elections and controls local decisions on administration and security.

Focus on unimportant issues

Falah al-Ani, a university professor in Anbar, told The New Region there are bigger problems the local government and security forces should focus on.

“There are security threats, border instability, and problems with services and administration that citizens face,” he said. “Instead, the government is busy with actions that break the law and constitution.”

He added that as long as clothes do not break social rules, they should not be banned. Security forces should not arrest young people over their clothes, especially during hot weather when people wear lighter clothing to stay cool.

Anbar police said earlier that actions against short shorts would begin with warnings and education. Legal action will only come after repeated offenses.

They said the campaign aims to support community security and respect local culture.

Patrols will give advice respectfully and consider people’s age and background. Legal steps will only be taken if people repeat the behavior or refuse to stop.

Return of extremist pressure

Political activist Abdullah al-Fahd told The New Region that the police campaign is part of a crackdown on youth freedoms.

He said Anbar suffered for more than 15 years under extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, which controlled many aspects of life. Young people’s main goal was to escape this harsh control.

“Anbar is part of civil Iraq,” he said. “Trying to control clothes and hairstyles will make young people think about leaving, either moving abroad or to cities in Kurdistan.”

Fahd added that the ruling party is trying to hide its corruption by bothering young people and focusing on minor issues.

Anbar Provincial Council member Adnan al-Kubaisi said the ban on short shorts conflicts with the tribal culture and social fabric of the province.

Speaking to The New Region, he said there is no crackdown on freedoms. Young people live freely in Anbar, but freedoms should not go against local customs.

He added that many families, especially women, complained about the shorts in markets and gatherings. So, the government took these steps to guide young men’s behavior in a respectful way, without violating their dignity.