Iraqi activist faces threats for documenting women’s abuse allegations
Iraqi activist Sarah Jassim posts videos documenting women’s allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, saying the footage can provide evidence and help hold alleged perpetrators to account. Her work has brought threats of death and acid attacks, and she now rarely leaves home; her experience highlights the risks faced by women who speak out in a society where victims may be blamed.
Women and activists say Iraq’s legal process is complicated and uncertain, while harassment and gender-based violence are not explicitly named in the penal code. A UN committee has called for stronger protections and an end to laws that can excuse rapists who marry their victims or reduce sentences for so-called honour killings. One mother, identified as Amal, says she has spent about five years seeking justice over her ex-husband’s alleged repeated rape of their underage daughter.
- Sarah Jassim uses videos to document allegations of sexual harassment.
- She says her activism has brought death and acid attack threats.
- Women face social stigma and a difficult path to justice in Iraq.
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Sarah Jassim is an Iraqi activist who documents video testimonies from women about sexual harassment and abuse. She aims to create evidence that can help hold alleged perpetrators accountable. However, her work has made her a target, bringing threats including death and acid attacks, causing her to rarely leave home.
Iraq's legal system makes it difficult for victims of gender-based violence to seek justice. Sexual harassment and abuse are not explicitly named in the country's penal code, and certain laws can reduce sentences for perpetrators in particular circumstances. A UN committee has called for Iraq to strengthen protections for women and reform these problematic provisions.
Many women in Iraq face significant barriers in seeking justice for abuse. One mother, referred to as Amal, spent about five years pursuing justice after her ex-husband allegedly repeatedly raped their underage daughter. Her experience illustrates the difficulties victims encounter in Iraq's legal system.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Death threats and isolation – the cost of fighting sexual violence in Iraq”.