Tragic Killing of Iraqi Social Media Star Om Fahad Sparks Concerns Amidst Online Feud

According to local media reports, social media influencer Om Fahad was fatally shot outside her home in Baghdad’s Zayne neighborhood. The incident occurred on Friday, with Iraq’s interior ministry confirming the killing of a “woman known on social networking sites” by “unknown assailants.” A specialized team has been assembled to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Identified as Ghufran Sawadi, Fahad was reportedly shot while in her car by an individual on a motorcycle. Initial reports suggest the attacker may have posed as a food delivery person. Additionally, another woman was reported injured in the attack.

Fahad gained prominence on TikTok for her videos featuring dance routines to popular music while wearing form-fitting attire, amassing tens of thousands of followers. However, she faced legal consequences last year, receiving a six-month prison sentence for posting videos deemed to undermine “modesty and public morality” by the court.

This followed the establishment of a government committee aimed at monitoring and regulating social media content, leading to concerns from organizations like the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor regarding the restriction of natural rights based on vague charges.

More recently, tensions between Fahad and fellow influencer Dalia Naeem, nicknamed “Iraqi Barbie” for her extensive plastic surgery, have intensified. Reports indicate Naeem had been threatening to expose Fahad’s alleged relationships with high-ranking Iraqi officials, further complicating the situation.