The Love Trap of Hashd al-Shaabi for Its Victims
Iraq – KurdFile Media
A young Iraqi psychiatrist, Dr. Ban Ziyad from Basra, has become the latest victim of violence linked to Hashd al-Shaabi. While evidence points to murder, the Iraqi courts have dismissed the case as suicide, sparking outrage and accusations of judicial complicity.
According to KurdFile Media’s investigation, Dr. Ban was deceived into a romantic relationship with a man who, unbeknownst to her, was a member of Hashd al-Shaabi. After gaining her trust, he suspected her family of political dissent. Her brother was accused of sympathizing with Israel and calling for political change in Iraq charges Hashd labeled as “Masonic ties.” To punish him, the militia allegedly killed Dr. Ban, framing the case to shift blame onto her brother.
The crime took place at the family’s home while her relatives were away. After ensuring the house was empty, the perpetrator fatally stabbed her. In a bid to stage the death as suicide, he wrote the words “I want to” in her blood on a wall — a gesture many Iraqis have publicly rejected as implausible.
Public anger grew when MP Mustafa Sanad, affiliated with Hashd, appeared before court and declared that Dr. Ban had taken her own life. On Monday, Iraq’s High Judicial Council confirmed the closure of the investigation, repeating the suicide narrative.
The decision has fueled protests on social media and renewed debate about the growing influence of Hashd al-Shaabi within Iraq’s judiciary and security structures. For many, Dr. Ban’s killing is not just a personal tragedy, but a chilling warning of how political power can turn justice into silence.
Author Profile
- Diyar Harki is an independent investigative journalist and human rights advocate. As a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), he focuses on exposing corruption and human rights abuses in Kurdistan and Iraq. He voluntarily contributes to Kurdfile Media.
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