Iraqi Women’s Rights Activist Yanar Mohammed’s Killing Sparks Global Outcry for Justice
Iraq | 4 March 2026 | The Global Journal
The killing of Iraqi women’s rights activist Yanar Mohammed has triggered widespread grief and calls for justice worldwide. Amnesty International described her killing as “a calculated assault to silence human rights defenders.”
The 66-year-old Mohammed was killed earlier this week when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire outside her home in northern Baghdad. The Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq stated, “Despite being rushed to the hospital and attempts to save her life, she succumbed to her injuries.”
The organization added, “We strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist act, which we consider a direct attack on the feminist struggle and the principles of freedom and equality.”
International Reaction
Several international human rights organizations have condemned Mohammed’s killing. Amnesty International called the attack “brutal” and “a calculated assault to silence human rights defenders.” Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an investigation into the killing.
Mohammed was one of Iraq’s leading women’s rights activists, working since the early 2000s to protect women facing gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, trafficking, and so-called ‘honor killings.’ Hundreds of women found refuge in the safe houses she established.
She also worked to support women who were abused by ISIS (ISIL). Mohammed had been the target of death threats for many years, yet remained courageous in the face of threats from ISIS and other armed groups.
In 2016, she was awarded the Rafto Prize for her tireless work defending women’s rights under extremely challenging conditions. The Norway-based nonprofit described her as “one of the most courageous human rights defenders of our time.”
Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, said, “Yanar was a dear colleague and friend to many of us in the women’s rights and feminist community. She dedicated her life to defending women’s rights in the most dangerous environments. Today, we mourn her strength, commitment, humanity, and extraordinary courage.”
