“Photo of Wrya Hama Karim, shared on September 3, 2023, with the caption: ‘I have won the 12th case in court, and there are 9 pending cases.’ This image symbolizes his tireless pursuit of justice and commitment to investigative journalism, which left an enduring impact on his community.
Aged 37
Renowned Kurdish journalist Wrya Hama Karim dies in Arbat car crash
HALABJA — Wrya Hama Karim Hama Salih, a distinguished journalist, reporter, and presenter for NRT TV, lost his life in a car crash early Thursday morning at the age of 37.
The fatal crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. “Our colleague and esteemed presenter, Wrya Hama Karim, passed away in a tragic traffic accident,” the company said in a statement. News of his death spread quickly across the Kurdistan Region, where he was widely admired for his dedication to journalism.
Karim’s funeral drew a large crowd, reflecting the impact of his reporting and community presence. As his coffin traveled from Sulaymaniyah to Halabja, mourners in multiple cities lined the streets, with some throwing flowers to honor him.
In his hometown of Halabja, people gathered at the city’s gate and along local roads in tribute to his memory.
Karim spent more than 12 years with NRT TV. He was best known as the host of Garrida–Explorer—one of the network’s most-viewed programs, focusing on public concerns and social issues across Kurdistan and Iraq.
Friends told 964media that on the day of his death, Karim intended to travel to the Sinjar district in Nineveh governorate to prepare for an upcoming episode.
According to the Sulaymaniyah Traffic Directorate’s investigation, Karim stopped his car near the Arbat sub-district after noticing a vehicle broken down on the road. He approached the stalled car to offer help, but a truck at high speed struck both vehicles, killing Karim and the other driver.
A fearless investigative journalist, Karim frequently tackled corruption. “Wrya played a significant role in journalism, uncovering major corruption scandals and bringing them to legal attention,” Nalia Media Corporation stated. Despite multiple detentions and prosecutions, Karim continued his work, often posting updates on his legal battles.
Karim’s personal story was shaped by past tragedy. His father was injured in the Halabja uprising on May 13, 1987, then abducted by Saddam Hussein’s security forces while undergoing treatment at a hospital. He was never seen again.
Before his disappearance, Karim’s father hoped to name him Hiwa, which means “hope” in Kurdish. At the funeral today, Karim’s mother mourned, calling out “My dear Hiwa” in memory of the name his father had chosen before vanishing.
Karim leaves behind two children.