Baghdad, Iraq – Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani confirmed on Wednesday that parliament will form a special investigative committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of a Baghdad Provincial Council member.
Safaa al-Mashhadani, a candidate for the Sovereignty Alliance, was killed this morning after being targeted by an explosive device north of Baghdad.
In a statement carried by the official Iraqi media (INA), Al-Mashhadani stressed that “the parties involved in this heinous crime will be exposed and brought to justice.”
Calling on the government and the relevant security authorities to conduct an urgent and comprehensive investigation to ensure that those behind the operation are held accountable.
Details of the incident
The explosion that killed al-Mashhadani occurred during a field trip he was conducting in the Tarmiyah district, a security-sensitive area north of Baghdad. An explosive device planted in his vehicle detonated.
Which resulted in his immediate death, in addition to the injury of two of his companions, according to security sources.
This incident marks the first assassination targeting a political candidate. It comes amid preparations for the Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 11.
Reactions
Condolences poured in on social media as soon as news of al-Mashhadani’s assassination spread, with a number of his supporters recalling his outspoken and public stances against the influence of armed groups in Iraq.
Especially his previous interventions on the issue of the displacement of the residents of Jurf al-Sakhar and preventing them from returning to their homes.
Activists shared what they said was his last television appearance. In this appearance, he criticized security policies and sectarian practices, calling for the return of displaced persons to their areas.
The candidate’s political background
Safaa al-Mashhadani was a candidate for the Sovereignty Alliance, one of the most prominent Sunni alliances in Iraq. The alliance was running under the leadership of politician Khamis al-Khanjar and current Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani.
The coalition is participating in several Sunni-majority provinces, such as Baghdad, Anbar, Salah al-Din, Nineveh, Diyala, and Kirkuk. It is seen as one of the strongest contenders in this election cycle.
worrying security climate
This crime comes within a fragile security context, one that has witnessed waves of assassinations and kidnappings in recent years targeting politicians, journalists, and civil activists, particularly those critical of armed groups.
Despite repeated government promises to expose those involved, many of these crimes remain unsolved. This raises concerns about a recurrence of political violence during the current election season.
