Accusations against Iraqi figures of collusion with celebrities and their murders.
The phenomenon of influencers on social media in Iraq, particularly those known as "bloggers," appears to extend far beyond the realm of girls and women interested in the latest fashion and gaining fame through social media advertisements. The murder of the well-known blogger referred to as "Um Fahd" has raised all the questions and doubts circulating locally regarding the extent and impact of this phenomenon on the political and security landscape in the country. It has revived discussions about "liquidations" typically associated with the "end of roles" or the "danger of revealing secrets" that must be curtailed.
In the eyes of many Iraqis, this phenomenon has become linked to influential figures within the political and security systems due to alleged "collusion" relationships some of them maintain with these women, and the influence they wield over certain powerful individuals. However, these relationships have not always been "safe" from severe and deadly fluctuations, especially if one party to the relationship neglects or compromises the terms of their "collusion," particularly if that relationship is exploited to "serve" potential adversaries of this or that political or security figure.
The connection between the "blogger" and the influential figure has become a subject of mockery and criticism for many, as it leads to what is being referred to as the "dark world." Blogger and presenter on the official "Iraqi" channel, Saleh Hamdani, wrote on the "X" platform: "We need a memorandum of understanding to sever ties between officers and (influencers)," referring to the influencers on social media.
### How Was the Assassination Conducted?
"Um Fahd" was killed in front of her home in the upscale Zayouna neighborhood of East Baghdad. A circulated video showed the assassin riding a motorcycle approaching the victim as she got into her car, as well as footage of him collecting "empty cartridges" from his silenced pistol at the crime scene, indicating his "professionalism" in assassination operations, according to many. It is widely rumored that the perpetrator seized her personal mobile phone, which is believed to contain a collection of videos and images of prominent political and security figures, but verification remains difficult as authorities have stated that the case is still under investigation.
For years, "Um Fahd" showcased luxurious jewelry and cars on her social media platforms and shared snippets from elite restaurants and public events with her audience. Bloggers circulated a photo of a person alleged to be the assassin, yet no official statement confirming this has been released by the Ministry of Interior. However, it has announced the formation of a specialized working group to "understand the circumstances surrounding the murder of a well-known woman on social media by unknown individuals in the Zayouna area of Baghdad."
A source connected to the investigation into the murder of model Tara Fares in September 2018 mentioned that "investigations into such crimes reach a certain threshold, then orders come from higher authorities to close them forever." The source added that "most women described in this manner are connected to relationships with high-ranking officers and influential individuals who do not allow investigations into their murders to cross the red lines they have established."
Analyst and journalist Falah Mashaal wrote in a post on "X": "The liquidation of bloggers began after scandals started to expose numerous names caught in their nets, including prominent executives and politicians."
### Influence on Decision-Makers
For several years, it has been popular belief among the public that these "bloggers" possess the ability to influence "decision-making" as well as the power to halt it given their significant impact on decision-makers. The assassination of "Um Fahd" came just days after a dispute with fellow influencer Dalia Naeem, who is also well-known on social media. "Um Fahd" appeared in a video threatening to expose Naeem by publishing photos of their meeting with the media and relations officer spearheading the "campaign against low-quality content" in the Ministry of Interior, Major General Saad Maen, prompting the Ministry of Interior to conduct investigations, followed by the dismissal of Major General Maen and other officers linked to extortion networks collaborating with groups of "bloggers and fashionistas."
On March 20 of the past year, the spokesperson of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Yahya Rasool, announced "the identification of elements within the security establishment using social media (pages under pseudonyms) to blackmail the security establishment and disparage its icons."
"Um Fahd" was imprisoned in January 2023 on charges of low-quality content before being released to resume her usual activities after a few weeks.
### The "Um Al-Loul" Crisis
Just days before "Um Fahd's" assassination, a crisis involving the well-known dancer known as "Um Al-Loul" erupted when news circulated about her obtaining a diplomatic passport, prompting the Ministry of Interior to deny this claim. The ministry's spokesperson and the security media cell, Major Marcus Myri, stated that the "Directorate of Civil Status, Passports, and Residence did not issue any diplomatic, special, or service passport for the individual (Um Al-Loul)." Myri also noted that "no correspondence had been received from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this matter."
Last week, the judiciary issued a simple four-month prison sentence against "Um Al-Loul" following the diplomatic passport uproar, stating that the ruling was based on charges related to low-quality content involving the production and dissemination of several images and films containing obscene and immoral statements.
