An Ezidi man, S.K, was killed in Baghdad after being found dead inside his apartment.
S.K, who was born in 1963 and worked in Baghdad, had reportedly lost contact with relatives before his body was discovered. After repeated attempts to reach him failed, the relevant security authorities were contacted. His apartment was later entered after the door was broken open, where he was found lying dead on the floor.
The circumstances of the killing indicate a violent attack. S.K. had been stabbed several times with a knife and had also been struck on the head with a bottle.
Security forces examined the surveillance camera inside the apartment, but it had either been damaged or was not functioning. Investigators then reviewed footage from another nearby camera, which revealed important details about the incident.
The footage reportedly showed a person entering S.K’s apartment. The way the visitor was received suggested that he may have been known to the victim. After some time, the same person was seen leaving the apartment with a bag and taking S.K’s personal car.
The killing raised renewed concern about the safety of Ezidis working in Baghdad, especially those connected to nightlife businesses or shops selling alcohol. In previous years, Baghdad had witnessed several attacks and killings targeting Ezidis working in such places, including assassinations and bombings.
S.K’a killing adds to the wider pattern of violence against Ezidis in Iraq, particularly those living and working outside their ancestral areas and without strong protection.
