Dr. Ban Ziad, a respected psychiatrist in Basra, Iraq was found dead in her family home on August 4, 2025 under shocking and suspicious circumstances. Violence inflicted on her was undeniable: signs of brutal assault, strangulation, a scene of blood, and disabled surveillance cameras (The New Arab, Aug 15, 2025). The state rushed to claim her death as suicide, but her killers remain unaccountable. A recurring occurrence in Iraq.
Her violent death has shaken Iraq to its core. Through the forensic reports from the phrase “I want God” found written on the bathroom wall, indicating large amounts of blood loss, to injury patterns on her neck, as well as both of her arms, deep to the bone, and wounds around sensitive areas. In addition to the family’s stance to expedite the release of her body (Iraqi News, Aug 13, 2025). This has raised widespread controversy and suspicion from Iraqi citizens towards the death of Dr. Ban Ziad, as her death continued to be labeled as “suicide” despite the initial investigation, and how gruesome her dead body was found. Yet as unbearable as her death is, the response from Iraq’s authorities has been even heavier to bear, it’s shameful to confront.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered a continued investigation, calling for full transparency and freedom from political interference towards the case. (Iraq News Gazette, Aug 16, 2025). But Iraqi citizens have heard such promises before. Too often, violence against women is easily erased in official reports, manipulated without mercy, or buried under political convenience that sacrifices justice for appearances and interests. Trust between the Iraqi government and nation can never be restored with words alone. Justice requires truthful action.
On August 18, 2025 the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq officially announced that the case of Dr. Ban had been closed, declaring her death as suicide (Shafaq News, Aug 18, 2025). The decision came despite the widespread protests in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, Kirkuk, and other parts of Iraq where citizens, activists and rights groups demanded justice, transparency and action (964Media, Aug 17, 2025). Instead, the public was met with complete dismissal and no genuine assurance. As the state prioritizes politics over truth, it exposes the corruption and the failure to protect the women of Iraq. Iraqi citizens have continued to protest, and address their concerns for safety of themselves, their children, and their nation. The authorities’ attempts to easily delay and manipulate the investigation behind Dr. Ban’s death reveals a government more committed to political convenience rather than the protection of its own citizens rights.
Dr. Ban’s case is not a first time occurrence. Her death has become a public opinion case at this point, so it leaves every right for Iraqi citizens to search for proper answers regarding the suspicion. To ask questions and to receive rational evidence. How did she hurt herself and proceed to write on the bathroom wall in a handwriting so accurate ? What are the reasons for the bruises visible on her body ? The very answers that every Iraqi citizen is searching for, how did it all happen ? This is nothing but a calculated disregard for the truth, and betrayal towards the women of Iraq. From domestic violence and honor killings, to assault and professional silencing. This is not only a crime against Dr.Ban, but a crime against the nation itself, the brutality of it is a tragic stain on Iraq – a crime so atrocious it mocks humanity itself.
The women of Iraq, and the citizens refuse to be silent. In Baghdad, and beyond, people have taken on the streets to demand accountability (964Media, Aug 17, 2025). Organizations such as the Supreme Council for Iraqi Women, have demanded the judiciary sense to protect Dr. Ban’s case from any political exploitation to ensure that justice is truthfully served (Iraq News Gazette, Aug 17, 2025). Her blood is a reminder for resistance, that every act of oppression will only strengthen the resolve. Because if the silence remains, who will stand for the future generation of Iraq ?
Iraqi women are devastated by her loss, and enraged by the government’s response. Dr. Ban’s blood stains much more than the hands of her killers — it stains the hands of a nation that has failed to protect its own women, failed to protect its citizens rights, and failed to protect the truth. Her death is not only a tragedy, but a national disgrace.
The failure to protect Dr. Ban Ziad’s justice is a warning to all Iraqis, that when justice is abandoned, the entire nation is vulnerable to collapse. It is the duty of all Iraqi citizens and those who believe in revealing the truth to honor Dr. Ban’s memory, to continue to rise, speak, and demand further accountability as the case doesn’t simply end in this way. The courage she embodied will guide this resistance, as no government failure, no violence will stop the fight of Iraqis for basic freedom.
This grief must turn into resolve. Leaders must act, and the world must listen. Violence against women is no longer a private crime — it is a political crisis, a national disgrace.
Dr. Ban’s murder shall not be forgotten nor ignored. Although her death exposes the shame, and cowardice of those in power who allowed it to happen, it shall be an awakening for Iraq, an inspiration for resistance and pursuit of truth. May Dr. Ban Ziad rest in peace. May her name echo in every protest, and in every act of justice across Iraq.