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Diwaniya, Iraq – The tragic death of Tiba al-Ali, a popular YouTuber known for her cheerful videos, has ignited a wave of protests and outrage in Iraq, shedding light on the deeply rooted issue of “honour killings” and women’s rights in the country.
Tiba al-Ali, a vivacious 23-year-old who had gained over 20,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, was brutally murdered by her father, Tayyip Ali, earlier this year in January during her visit to her family in Iraq. Her murder sent shockwaves through the nation and drew international attention.
Tiba’s journey to fame began in 2017 when she left her native Iraq to start a new life in Turkey at the age of 17. Her YouTube channel, filled with fun-loving videos about her life, independence, her fiancé, and makeup tutorials, resonated with tens of thousands of subscribers. Many were drawn to her vibrant personality and the glimpse she offered into her life.
In a video posted in November 2021, Tiba explained that she initially moved to Turkey to further her education but chose to stay because she found happiness and fulfillment there.
Reports suggest that her father, Tayyip Ali, vehemently disagreed with her decision to move to Turkey and to marry her Syrian-born fiancé, with whom she shared a life in Istanbul. This disapproval ultimately led to a family dispute upon her return to Iraq in January.
On January 31st, Tiba al-Ali was tragically strangled to death in her sleep by her own father. Tayyip Ali later turned himself into the authorities, leading to his arrest and eventual sentencing in April. Shockingly, he received only a six-month prison sentence, sparking outrage across the nation.
Tiba’s untimely death has brought the issue of “honour killings” to the forefront of Iraqi society. The Iraqi Penal Code currently permits “honour” as a mitigating factor for crimes of violence committed against family members, a provision that has long been criticized by human rights activists.
According to the Home Office analysis, the Code allows for lenient punishments for “honour killings” under the pretext of provocation or “honourable motives,” a legal framework that has been heavily criticized for perpetuating violence against women.
Iraq’s interior ministry spokesman, Gen Saad Maan, acknowledged the tragedy and confirmed that Tiba and her father had a heated argument during her stay in Iraq. He also revealed that police had attempted to intervene the day before her murder.
When questioned about the response of authorities to the killing, Gen Maan asserted that security forces had handled the case with professionalism and applied the law. He emphasized that a thorough investigation had been conducted, and the case was referred to the judiciary for sentencing.
However, the perceived leniency in Tiba al-Ali’s father’s punishment has led to an outpouring of anger, with hundreds of women taking to the streets in protest against the legislation surrounding “honour killings.”
Tiba al-Ali’s tragic death has underscored the urgent need for legal reforms in Iraq to protect the rights and lives of women. It has reignited the conversation about gender-based violence and the cultural norms that perpetuate such atrocities. As the nation grapples with this heart-wrenching incident, there is hope that Tiba’s legacy will serve as a catalyst for change and a brighter future for women in Iraq.