Tragic Fate befalls Iconic TikToker in Baghdad as LGBTQ Crackdown Grips Nation
A well-known Iraqi TikTok influencer met a tragic end in Baghdad as violence against the LGBTQ community intensifies The individual was fatally shot on Monday, according to Iraqi security sources
An Iraqi TikTok influencer named Noor Alsaffar was tragically killed in Baghdad on Monday, according to a security source in Iraq. Alsaffar, also known as "Noor BM," had a substantial online following, with over 370,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. She regularly shared videos showcasing fashion, hairstyles, makeup tips, and dancing to music. Upon hearing of Alsaffar's death, many expressed their sadness in the comment section, while others disturbingly praised the shooter.
The CNN was informed by an anonymous Iraqi security source that an investigation has been initiated. The source mentioned that they are not allowed to speak to the media and stated that the deceased has been transferred to the forensic department.
On Tuesday, Khaled Almehna, the spokesperson for the Iraqi police, referred to the attack as a "criminal incident." He further mentioned that he will share significant updates in due course.
An Iraqi national flag is seen near Iraqi embassy ahead of a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden July 20, 2023.
Caisa Rasmussen/TT News Agency/Reuters
Iraq bans media from using term 'homosexuality,' says they must use 'sexual deviance'
Amidst Iraq's tightening grip on LGBTQ expression and its efforts to criminalize it, a tragic incident of violence has occurred. While current Iraqi legislation does not explicitly outlaw being queer, LGBTQ individuals are often subjected to persecution through ambiguous moral clauses in the country's penal code.
Prior to the shooting, Alsaffar endured online harassment and faced inquiries about their sexuality and gender. During a interview on Iraq's Al Walaa channel in 2020, Alsaffar clarified, "I am not transgender and I am not gay. I do not have any other inclinations. I am solely a cross-dresser and a model." Alsaffar identified as a male, working as both a model and makeup artist.
Alsaffar addressed the issue of receiving social media threats due to his dress choices in various videos. In a YouTube interview with Iraqi blogger Samir Jermani in 2021, Alsaffar confidently stated, "I am careful, but I do not fear" when asked about his appearance as a TikToker.
The Iraqi LGBTQ rights group, IraQueer, posted about Alsaffars death, adding the hashtags #Transphobia and #MuderOfTransPeople on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Protesters scale a fence while congregating near the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, following the embassy's invasion and subsequent arson attack, preceding an anticipated Koran burning event in Stockholm. This photo was captured by Ahmed Saad for Reuters on July 20, 2023, in Baghdad, Iraq.
Angry demonstrators invade Swedish embassy in Iraq after announcement of Quran desecration scheme. Iraqi parliament presents proposed legislation classifying homosexual activities, transgender representation, and all LGBTQ actions as criminal offenses. If approved, the punishment for same-sex relationships would be death or lifelong incarceration, while advocating for homosexuality would carry a minimum sentence of seven years. Additionally, imitating feminine roles would be deemed a crime with a potential prison term of three years.
According to rights groups, there has been a significant rise in violence and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the country in recent months. Protests, mainly led by supporters of Shiite Muslim factions, have emerged where the rainbow flag, in response to Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, has been set on fire. Impunity has frequently been the response to acts of violence against LGBTQ individuals in Iraq, highlights HRW.
In August, Iraq's media regulator prohibited the use of the term "homosexuality" on all traditional and social media platforms, mandating the use of the term "sexual deviance" instead.
Rights organizations have denounced the escalating oppression faced by LGBTQ communities in the Middle East, which includes the alarming practice of digitally surveilling individuals based on their online behavior. After scrutinizing instances of LGBTQ rights abuses in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, Human Rights Watch disclosed in February that online surveillance is frequently accompanied by severe punitive actions such as arbitrary imprisonment and torture.
CNNs Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Celine Alkhaldi contributed to this report.
