Tragedy Strikes Baghdad: Iraqi Social Media Star Ghufran Sawadi Shot Dead
BAGHDAD — In a heartbreaking turn of events, Iraqi social media sensation Ghufran Sawadi, also known as Umm Fahad, met a tragic end as she was fatally shot outside her residence in Baghdad, the bustling capital of Iraq, on Friday night. The shocking incident unfolded in the Zayouna area, located towards the east of Baghdad, and was captured on a surveillance camera before circulating on various social media platforms.
The harrowing video footage depicts a cold-hearted gunman riding a motorcycle who callously opened fire, claiming Sawadi’s life on the spot. A reliable source within the Baghdad police force has verified the authenticity of the distressing video.
Upon learning of the distressing crime, the country’s Interior Minister wasted no time and announced the formation of a specialized task force to delve into the circumstances surrounding the heinous killing of the woman who was widely recognized on social media but fell prey to unidentified assailants.
Sawadi had amassed a considerable following on TikTok, where she delighted her audience with captivating dance performances set to popular music while clad in trendy attire. However, her content had previously sparked controversy within Iraq’s legal circles, leading to a six-month imprisonment sentence for “the crime of producing and publishing several films and videos containing obscene and indecent language, violating public decency and morals,” as per a statement issued by the Iraqi judiciary.
Regrettably, Sawadi’s untimely demise adds to the grim tally of Iraqi social media influencers who have been targeted in fatal attacks. Just months ago, another prominent figure in Iraq’s digital landscape, Noor Alsaffar, known by her online alias Noor BM, suffered a similar fate as she was gunned down in Baghdad in September 2023, as disclosed by a security source in Iraq.
With a substantial following of over 370,000 individuals across Instagram and TikTok, Alsaffar shared snippets of her life revolving around fashion, beauty tips, and rhythmic dance routines. In the aftermath of her tragic passing, social media platforms were flooded with condolences mourning Alsaffar’s loss, juxtaposed with disturbing celebrations from some individuals commending the perpetrator behind the fatal shot.
Tragically, Alsaffar’s demise unfolded amidst a backdrop of increased repression against LGBTQ expression in Iraq, as authorities moved to criminalize such forms of identity and self-expression. — CNN
