Iraqi officials are probing the murder of a popular social media influencer | Global News

Iraqi social media influencer Ghufran Mahdi Sawadi, known as “Um Fahad,” was tragically shot and killed by an armed motorcyclist in front of her home in central Baghdad. Sawadi, who was popular on TikTok and Instagram, was known for her dance videos and had a large following on social media.

The assailant opened fire as Sawadi parked her Cadillac in front of her house on Friday, killing her and fleeing the scene with her phone. This incident took place in the Zayoona neighborhood, where another prominent figure, security expert Hisham al-Hashimi, was also gunned down in 2020.

Sawadi’s killing is not the first targeting of social media figures in Baghdad, as last year, Noor Alsaffar, also known as “Noor BM,” was fatally shot in the city. The neighborhood has seen a shift in residents over the years, with militia leaders now taking up residence in the once prestigious area.

The role of social media influencers in Iraq has expanded beyond promoting products to government projects and programs. However, Sawadi had faced legal trouble in the past, being sentenced to six months in prison for posting obscene content on social media.

The Ministry of Defense faced backlash recently for allowing influencers to record videos at sensitive military sites, but defended their actions by stating the use of influencers is a common practice in communicating with the public in the digital age. Sawadi’s tragic death has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of social media personalities in Iraq.