Iraqi TikTok Celebrity Om Fahad Shot Dead in Baghdad

An Iraqi social media influencer, known as Om Fahad, was tragically shot dead outside her residence in Baghdad on Friday (26 April). Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, gained international attention for her TikTok videos that showcased her dancing to pop music in form-fitting clothes, amassing tens of thousands of followers.

Last year, Fahad and YouTuber Hassan Sajamah were sentenced to prison time for their social media content deemed to be indecent by a court in Baghdad. This action was part of a government campaign to clean up social media content that was seen as undermining Iraqi morals and traditions.

On the day of her death, Fahad was gunned down by an assailant on a motorbike while she was in her car outside her home in the Zayouna district of Baghdad. The Iraqi interior ministry confirmed the incident and has launched a specialized team to investigate her murder.

Reports suggest that Fahad was involved in a feud with fellow influencer Dalia Naeem, who had threatened to expose Fahad’s alleged relationship with senior Iraqi officials. This tragic incident is not the first of its kind in Iraq, as in 2018, model and influencer Tara Fares was also killed by gunmen in Baghdad.

While Iraq has seen some semblance of normalcy after years of war and sectarian conflict, the government has faced criticism for curbing the civil liberties of women, sexual minorities, and other groups. The crackdown on influencers has raised concerns about freedom of expression in the country.

As investigations into Om Fahad’s murder continue, the Iraqi government has reiterated that their morality campaign is not an infringement on freedom of expression, but rather a necessary measure to uphold societal values.

The tragic death of Om Fahad serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by social media influencers in Iraq and the ongoing challenges surrounding freedom of expression in the country.