Kurdish-American Influencer Shayan Noori Dies in Baghdad Prison 

Baghdad, Iraq — Shayan Noori, a Kurdish-American TikTok influencer from Kirkuk known for her critical videos of Iraqi security forces, has died in a Baghdad prison under unexplained circumstances, with some reports suggesting complications from a long-term illness. Noori gained social media prominence by challenging security protocols at checkpoints and questioning Iraq’s focus on ethnicity, often refusing to disclose hers, saying simply, “I am Iraqi.”

The death of Shayan Noori in an Iraqi prison raises significant concerns about the state of freedom of speech and expression in Iraq. Known for her outspoken videos mocking Kurdish security forces and checkpoint practices, Noori used her platform to voice frustrations with systemic issues. Her satire and criticism, though controversial, reflect a vital aspect of free speech—the right to question authority and advocate for social change without fear of retribution.

In healthy democracies, such criticisms, even if uncomfortable for those in power, are essential for accountability and transparency. Noori’s arrest and the circumstances leading to her death raise questions about the extent to which Iraqi society truly allows for freedom of expression, especially when voices challenge or ridicule state actors. Her passing is a tragic reminder that safeguarding free speech is essential to fostering an environment where individuals can safely express diverse viewpoints without facing life-threatening consequences.