Iraqi Women Network Statement for an Independent Investigation into the Death of Dr. Ban

Published by Iraqi Woman Network – 12 august 2025

To the Honorable Prime Minister
To the Honorable President of the Supreme Judicial Council
To the Honorable Minister of Interior
To the Honorable Minister of Health

The Assassination of Truth is Another Crime!
The Iraqi Women Network Calls for an Independent Investigation into the Death of Dr. Ban

With deep sorrow and strong condemnation, the Iraqi Women Network follows the tragic incident of the death of the young physician, Dr. Ban Ziad Tariq, a psychiatric at the Teaching Hospital in Basra, on August 4. This incident has caused profound shock in medical and social circles, with the announcement by the Security Committee in the Provincial Council that the death was the result of “suicide”—a claim whose accuracy has been questioned by several specialists, as well as friends and colleagues of the deceased, who pointed to the presence of clear signs of torture on her body, along with bruises and injuries confirming she was subjected to violence before her death.

The death of Dr. Ban—known for her good conduct, dedication, and perseverance in attaining a highly specialized professional field—is not an isolated incident, but rather a painful wake-up call about the real dangers facing Iraqi women with regard to their lives and dignity. Our silence in the face of this crime, if proven, or in the face of any negligence in uncovering its truth, amounts to complicity in the continuation of the cycle of violence and impunity.

We call for the formation of an independent investigative committee to uncover the circumstances of the incident and announce the results to the public, ensuring the integrity of criminal procedures and preventing any interference or pressure that could influence the course of the investigation.

We further emphasize the urgent need to strengthen protection for Iraqi women, provide them with psychological and social support, and galvanize national efforts to expedite the enactment of a law to combat domestic violence in all its forms – including psychological and professional violence – in order to safeguard the dignity of victims, prosecute perpetrators, and impose appropriate penalties upon them.