Blogger Um Fahad's Brother Shouts at Iraqi Security Forces: 'Immediately Arrest Her Killer

Ghufran Mahdi Sawadi, a popular Iraqi social media influencer known as "Um Fahad," was shot and killed by an armed motorcyclist in front of her home in central Baghdad on Friday. Sawadi gained a large following on TikTok and Instagram, where she posted videos of herself dancing to music.

According to a security official, the assailant opened fire as Sawadi parked her car, killing her and taking her phone before fleeing the scene. A neighbor who witnessed the incident said Sawadi's companion managed to escape.

The killing took place in the Zayoona neighborhood, the same area where a prominent Iraqi researcher and security expert was gunned down in 2020. Sawadi is not the first prominent social media figure to be killed in central Baghdad. Last year, a transgender influencer named Noor Alsaffar, who also had a large social media following, was fatally shot.

Sawadi's brother has demanded justice for her murder. The Iraqi interior ministry has formed a specialized committee to examine the events surrounding her killing.

Why this matters: The assassination of Um Fahad highlights the dangers faced by social media influencers in Iraq who challenge traditional norms. It also raises concerns about the ability of Iraqi authorities to protect prominent figures and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Iraqi government has recently been policing the activities of social media influencers more strictly. Last year, Sawadi was sentenced to six months in prison for posting content deemed "obscene" and "indecent" on social media. Footage of her assassination quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage among her followers.

Iraqi authorities are investigating Sawadi's killing, which occurred the night before. Her brother told local media, "We demand to know who killed my sister and why, and we will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice." The assassination of the popular influencer has sent shockwaves through Iraq's social media community and raised fears about the safety of those who dare to challenge societal norms.

Key Takeaways

• Iraqi social media influencer "Um Fahad" shot dead by armed motorcyclist in Baghdad.
• Sawadi had a large following on TikTok and Instagram, posting dancing videos.
• Sawadi's killing raises concerns about safety of social media influencers in Iraq.
• Iraqi authorities investigating the murder, Sawadi's brother demands justice.