TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Turkey: BBC.com, Sky News Arabia سكاي نيوز عربية.
UK coverage: Evening Standard.

In a shocking incident, Iraqi influencer Om Fahad, popularly known as ‘Um Fahad’, was tragically shot dead by a motorbike assassin outside her home in Baghdad. The killing has sparked an investigation by authorities as they examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and work to track down the gunman. Um Fahad, who had a large following on social media, was renowned for her makeup tutorials and fashion content, which resonated with her fans and the online community. The news of her death has left her followers shocked and saddened.

According to local media reports, the attack took place in the Zayouna neighborhood, east of the capital, on Friday. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed the killing of a ‘well-known woman on social media’ by ‘unknown attackers’ and has formed a specialized team to investigate the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported that Um Fahad, whose real name is Ghofran Swadi, was shot in her car by an individual riding a motorcycle and carrying a gun. The attacker allegedly posed as a food delivery person, adding a deceptive layer to the crime. The US-owned Alhurra news agency also reported that another woman was injured in the attack, further highlighting the severity of the incident.

Um Fahad rose to fame on the popular social media platform TikTok, where she garnered a significant following by sharing videos of herself dancing to pop music in ‘revealing’ outfits. Her content resonated with tens of thousands of followers, who admired her style and creativity. However, her popularity was not without controversy.

Last year, Um Fahad faced legal consequences when she was sentenced to six months in prison for posting videos that were deemed to undermine ‘modesty and public morals’ by the court. This ruling came after the establishment of a government committee to monitor social media platforms and punish content creators responsible for offensive material. Human rights organizations, such as the independent Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, expressed concern over the detention and conviction of social media content creators on vague charges that restrict natural rights.

Recent tensions between Um Fahad and fellow influencer Dalia Naim have also come to light. Naim, known as the ‘Iraqi Barbie’ due to her extensive cosmetic surgeries, reportedly threatened to expose Um Fahad’s alleged relationship with prominent Iraqi officials. These tensions added another layer of complexity to Um Fahad’s life and may have contributed to the tragic events that unfolded.

The killing of Um Fahad has sent shockwaves through the online community and beyond. Her untimely death serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by social media influencers and the need for increased security measures to protect them. As the investigation into her killing continues, her fans and followers mourn the loss of a talented and vibrant individual who left an indelible mark on the digital world.