Assassination of Yanar Mohammed: A Tragic Loss for Women's Rights in Iraq

Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi feminist and human rights activist, was shot and killed outside her home in Baghdad on March 2, 2026. The attack occurred around 9:00 AM local time when two unidentified gunmen opened fire on her as she stood in the northern neighborhood of al-Banoq. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Mohammed succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her assassination raises significant concerns regarding the safety of activists in Iraq, particularly those advocating for women's rights.

The New ArabIn Defence of MarxismRest In Power, Yanar MohammedIraq: Killing of Woman Human Rights Defender and Feminist Yanar Mohammed

Born in 1960, Yanar Mohammed was a pioneering figure in the fight for women's rights in Iraq. She co-founded the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) in 2003, which established a network of safe houses to protect women from gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and honor killings. Mohammed's activism was marked by her commitment to secularism and equality, often in the face of death threats and significant personal risk. Her work provided refuge for over 1,300 women across multiple cities in Iraq.

Iraq: Killing of Woman Human Rights Defender and Feminist Yanar MohammedThe New ArabRest In Power, Yanar MohammedIn Defence of Marxism

Yanar Mohammed was not only the president of OWFI but also served as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Al-Musawat, which translates to "Equality." Her leadership in OWFI was instrumental in advocating for women's rights and opposing both the US-UK occupation and sectarian violence in Iraq. Mohammed's contributions to the women's rights movement were recognized internationally, earning her several awards, including the Gruber Foundation Award for Women's Rights in 2008 and the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in 2025.

Iraq: Killing of Woman Human Rights Defender and Feminist Yanar Mohammed

Following her assassination, the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq expressed profound sorrow and grief, mourning the loss of their president and extending condolences to the broader liberation and women's rights movements. The Communist Alternative Organization in Iraq condemned the attack as a "brutal terrorist crime" and called on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice. They emphasized that Mohammed's legacy would continue to inspire the struggle for women's liberation and social justice.

The New Arab

The assassination of Yanar Mohammed highlights the increasing violence against women activists in Iraq. Critics argue that the government has failed to protect those advocating for women's rights, as evidenced by the targeted killings of other female activists, such as Riham Yaqoob in 2020. The lack of accountability for such crimes raises questions about the safety and security of activists in the region.

The New Arab

While multiple sources confirm the details surrounding Yanar Mohammed's assassination, there is no consensus on the motivations behind the attack or the identity of the assailants. No group has claimed responsibility, and Iraqi authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the investigation into her death.

The New Arab

• “With profound sorrow and grief, and in a shock that words cannot describe, the Women's Freedom Organization in Iraq mourns the passing of its president, Yanar Mohammed, and extends its condolences to the liberation movement, the women's rights movement in Iraq, and the world at large.” — Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq

The New Arab

Yanar Mohammed's assassination marks a significant loss for the women's rights movement in Iraq, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by activists in the region.

The New Arab