KRG orders probe after Christian graves vandalized in Koya’s village of Hermota

ERBIL — Nearly 15 Christian graves in the village of Hermota in Koya district, Erbil governorate, were vandalized in a private cemetery this week, sparking anger and grief among residents and prompting the Kurdistan Regional Government to condemn the act and order an investigation.

Residents told 964media they have never faced such hostility in the village and fear the desecration was intended to provoke tension between Christians and Muslims.

“We have always lived with Muslims as brothers in this town, and we even visit each other’s burial sites,” several Christians from Hermota said, expressing deep concern over the incident.

Dr. Hawjin Slewa, a Christian resident and university lecturer, said villagers believe more than one person was involved.

“We do not suspect a specific person, but we believe it was a planned act carried out by a group,” she told 964media. “We hope the perpetrators are revealed as soon as possible and brought to justice.”

Abdullah Anwar, head of the Koya Endowments Office, described the desecration as an act of terror.

“This is a terrorist act, and only ISIS in Mosul committed such crimes against Christians,” he told 964media. “We are very concerned, but whoever did this is delusional if they think it will harm the friendship between Muslims and Christians in Koya. It will only strengthen our unity.”

He said security forces have opened an investigation and that those responsible “will face the law.”

The vandalism was discovered before noon on Dec. 4, 2025, when several Christian women visited the cemetery and found multiple graves damaged. Villagers gathered throughout the afternoon and evening to inspect the site and express sorrow over the desecrations.

The Kurdistan Regional Government sharply condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable and shameful in every form.” In a statement, it said relevant authorities have been instructed to launch an immediate investigation to identify and punish those involved, and that the cemetery will be restored on the orders of the prime minister.

The statement said Christians are an “authentic component of Kurdistan” and that the region has long been a place of peaceful coexistence, stressing that no one will be allowed to threaten that harmony.