Journalist and activist Hemin Mamand shot in Sulaymaniyah as authorities launch investigation

SULAYMANIYAH — Journalist and activist Hemin Mamand was shot Tuesday night in Sulaymaniyah and taken to the hospital with injuries, security officials and rights groups said.

Mamand has hosted the “Srinj – Comment” program on Sterk TV, a channel affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, for three years. He has also frequently participated in protests and civil activities. He was shot shortly after airing the latest episode of his program.

According to information obtained by 964media, Mamand was leaving a restaurant in the Aqari neighborhood and heading to his car when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on him before fleeing the scene.

Rahman Gharib, head of the Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy, told 964media, “Hemin Mamand was struck by two bullets and is now receiving medical treatment at the hospital.” He said they trusted the security forces to handle the case but added, “So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.”

The security forces in Sulaymaniyah have opened an investigation. Salam Abdulkhaliq, spokesperson for the Asayish Directorate in Sulaymaniyah, said in a statement that at 7:20 p.m. on September 2, “journalist and civil activist Hemin Mamand was shot in Sulaymaniyah, and the Asayish immediately launched an investigation.” He added that efforts to locate the perpetrators are ongoing.