10-year-old boy dies after alleged torture in Kirkuk

KIRKUK — A 10-year-old boy named Nisan Ghassan died on Monday after being hospitalized in Kirkuk Teaching Hospital with severe physical injuries consistent with prolonged torture. Authorities have arrested two of his uncles in connection with a case that has sparked public outrage across Iraq.

On Sunday evening, Nisan was admitted to the hospital with visible signs of physical abuse on his body. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to her injuries by midday Monday. Doctors confirmed evidence of severe physical trauma but emphasized that final conclusions would depend on forensic examinations. “The injuries clearly indicate physical abuse, but we must wait for the official forensic report to determine the full circumstances,” a hospital source told 964media.

According to investigations, Nisan’s parents had separated over a year ago, and he had been living under the care of his uncles. Kirkuk Police spokesperson Amir Nouri told 964 media: “Both uncles have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. The child’s body has been transferred to her mother in Tikrit for burial.”

Arshad Salihi, head of the Human Rights Committee in Iraq’s Parliament, expressed deep concern over the incident, telling 964 media “Kirkuk is full of displaced and vulnerable individuals. This child was subjected to horrific abuse, and we are awaiting the official forensic report to clarify the details.”

The tragedy has shed light on Nisan’s family background, Salihi claims that his father was an ISIS militant who is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence under Iraq’s anti-terrorism laws. Additionally, three of her uncles were killed in clashes as ISIS members, while four others remain displaced in Kirkuk, he said.

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has confirmed the arrests of two suspects and announced that a full investigation into the incident is underway. Public outcry has surged across Iraq, with calls for justice and greater protections for vulnerable children.