Hate speech against Yazidis surges online following ‘misinterpreted’ speech

SINJAR — After comments made by Yazidi military leader Qasim Shesho during the tenth anniversary of the 2014 Yazidi genocide, a sharp increase in hate speech against Yazidis has been reported. Petrichor Human Rights documented 3,750 incidents in the 24 hours following his speech.

Shesho, addressing the remembrance gathering, said, “As long as Mohammed exists, the ‘Farman’ on us will continue,” using the term ‘Farman’ to reference the historical series of persecutions, genocides, and attacks faced by the Yazidis. This statement was interpreted by some as offensive towards the Prophet Muhammad, leading to widespread controversy.

The Nineveh Investigation Court issued an arrest warrant for Shesho, accusing him of “insulting the Prophet Muhammad and inciting war between religions.”

In response to the backlash, Shesho explained, “Some media outlets circulated a short segment of my speech, taking a single sentence out of context to falsely claim that I spoke inappropriately about the Prophet Muhammad.”

On August 3, 2014, the Yazidis faced horrific violence at the hands of ISIS, marking a brutal chapter in their history. Over 325,000 were displaced, and countless women and children endured sexual slavery, forced labor, and repeated rapes. More than 5,000 Yazidis were killed, and over 2,500 remain unaccounted for. This genocide has deeply scarred the Yazidi community and has heightened sensitivities around discussions of religion and persecution.

Shesho has since clarified his position, stating, “There was no insult to the Prophet of Islam in my statement. Our religion prohibits insulting prophets and religious individuals from all religions, sects, and beliefs.” He emphasized that Yazidism even forbids disrespecting inanimate objects revered by others.