Erbil man found dead in Germany to be returned home as family awaits final report

ERBIL — The body of Mohammed Abbas, a Kurdish man from Erbil who was found dead in Germany, is set to return to the Kurdistan Region on Wednesday. Abbas’ brother, Hijran Abbas, told 964media that initial investigations indicate his death was likely due to cardiac arrest rather than homicide.

The family had initially suspected foul play and last week demanded further clarification from German authorities.

“Arrangements have been made, and the body will arrive in Erbil via the airport on Wednesday,” Hijran Abbas said, noting that the case remains under investigation in Germany, and a final report has yet to be released. “According to the latest findings, however, it appears Mohammed died from heart failure, not homicide.”

Mohammed Abbas, 36, had relocated to Germany in 2003, where he married a Russian woman and is survived by a 5-year-old son. Four of his brothers also reside in Germany.

The circumstances surrounding Abbas’ death raised questions after reports emerged that he had been detained following an altercation and subsequently held in a Düsseldorf correctional facility.

Last week, his brother had shared with 964media that the family became concerned after not hearing from Mohammed for ten days. Their worries intensified when an inmate reportedly informed them that Mohammed had gone missing, leading to an investigation that ultimately revealed his death.