Iraqi women’s rights activist killed in Baghdad

Prominent Iraqi women’s rights activist Yanar Mohammed was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen outside her home in Baghdad on 1 March, according to The New Arab.

Two armed men opened fire at around 09:00 local time as Mohammed stood outside her residence in the capital. Witnesses said the gunmen fled the scene immediately after the shooting. She was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Iraqi security officials had not issued a formal statement at the time of reporting. It remains unclear whether any suspects have been identified or detained.

The Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq confirmed her death in a statement, saying it extended “condolences to the liberation movement, the women’s rights movement in Iraq, and the world at large.”

The organisation added that it holds Iraqi authorities responsible for ensuring accountability and protecting activists. It described Mohammed as a long-standing advocate for women facing violence and discrimination.

Mohammed established the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq in 2003 following the US-led invasion. The group opened Iraq’s first shelter for women fleeing honour-based violence and trafficking.

It later expanded its shelter network across the country and has provided refuge to more than 1,300 women. The organisation also campaigned for changes to family law and increased legal protections for women.

In addition to her activism, Mohammed edited the newspaper Al-Mousawat and regularly appeared in Iraqi and international media. She received international recognition for her work, including the Rafto Prize and the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

She had recently returned to Iraq from Canada in the days before the shooting. Further details surrounding the motive for the attack have not been confirmed.

Violence against women in Iraq has increased in recent years, with several female activists killed in shootings carried out by unidentified gunmen.

 

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org