ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS) on Wednesday announced arresting a man in Baghdad for allegedly insulting religious figures in a video circulating social media.

The INSS said in a statement that the man was arrested for his alleged “transgression against the Pure Imams,” noting that the detention is part of the agency’s “continuous efforts to protect religious values and preserve societal peace.”

The Pure Imams, refers to the Twelve Imams in Shiite Islam, believed to be descendants of the Prophet Mohammed through his son in-law Ali and daughter Fatima, who are regarded as infallible spiritual leaders central to Shiite belief.

The operation came after a video circulated on social media showing two people insulting the imams, according to the statement. Authorities arrested one of the men following a warrant, while the other was already in custody on separate charges.

Iraq’s Penal Code criminalizes insults against religion, with Article 372 prescribing up to three years in prison or a financial penalty for anyone who publicly insults religious figures, symbols, or practices revered by a sect.