Hisham al-Hashimi, investigator of jihadist groups, shot to death in Baghdad


Hisham al-Hashimi, 47, appeared frequently in local and foreign media as an analyst, especially during the Iraq battle against ISIS.

He was also an expert voice on Iraqi politics and extremist Shiite groups and had been an adviser to previous Iraqi governments.

Al-Hashimi died at Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital in Baghdad after being seriously injured during the attack, Maan said.

The motive behind his murder is unclear so far, but similar targeted killings were frequent during the height of Iraq’s sectarian war.

Al-Hashimi was a vocal critic of Iraq’s political elite and spoke about corruption in the country on his social media accounts. He appeared to have tweeted moments before he was assassinated, in a post on sectarian and ethnic divisions in Iraqi politics.

The news of his death shocked many in the Middle East and beyond.

The European Union Ambassador to Iraq Martin Huth tweeted: “Together with his family and friends, we mourn the death of Dr. Husham Al-Hashimi. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice!”

UK Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey tweeted “Devastated and deeply saddened by the news of the assassination of Husham Al Hashimi. Iraq has lost one of its best men: a thoughtful and courageous man. These attacks cannot continue. government, supported by the international community: must hold perpetrators accountable. “

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