Al-Hashimi, known for his expertise on the Islamic State group, was a vocal critic of Iran-backed militias in Iraq after the defeat of ISIS in late 2017. He was shot and killed outside his Baghdad home by motorcycle-riding assailants in July 2020, following threats from these groups. The murder of the prominent security analyst garnered international attention and raised concerns about the safety of critics of powerful militias in Iraq.
Ahmed Hamdawi al-Kinani, a police officer who was initially sentenced to death for the murder of al-Hashimi, was released from prison on Monday following a retrial. The court issued an acquittal, but it was not clear on what grounds he was acquitted. Al-Kinani had been convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced to death by a criminal court last May, but the case was reopened and moved to an appeals court for further review.
In a video aired by state media in 2021, al-Kinani admitted to the killing of al-Hashimi after his arrest. While he claimed to be a first lieutenant in the police, two security officials, speaking anonymously, linked him to an Iran-backed militia without disclosing its name. Following international pressure and calls for justice, Iraq’s judiciary decided to annul the death sentence and reopen the investigation into the murder, leading to al-Kinani’s release from prison.
Some activist groups, such as End Impunity in Iraq, criticized the decision to release al-Kinani, alleging that it showed the Iraqi judiciary to be politicized and controlled by terrorist militias. The case has raised concerns about the influence of powerful armed groups in Iraq and the challenges faced by those who speak out against them. Al-Hashimi’s murder highlighted the dangers that journalists, researchers, and activists face in the country, especially when criticizing influential militias.
During his career, al-Hashimi advised the U.S.-led coalition and provided valuable insights into the operations of the Islamic State group. His death was a blow to the broader community of experts and analysts working on counterterrorism and security issues in Iraq. The release of al-Kinani has once again brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by those who challenge the status quo and the difficulties in holding perpetrators of violence accountable in a complex political and security environment like Iraq.
The case of al-Hashimi’s murder and al-Kinani’s release highlight the ongoing challenges facing Iraq as it seeks to establish the rule of law and address impunity in cases of violence and terrorism. The influence of armed groups with political backing poses a significant obstacle to efforts to ensure justice and accountability for victims of such crimes. The international community continues to monitor developments in Iraq and call for transparent and fair judicial processes to address human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable.
