Here is the story of Dr. Ban Ziad Tareq, the Iraqi psychiatrist from Basra, whose death turned into a public opinion case:
Background and Incident
Ban Ziad Tareq was a psychiatrist who owned a clinic in Basra and was active on social media, where she provided medical and psychological advice, particularly for children.
In early August 2025, she was found dead inside her family’s home in Basra. Her family reported that she had committed suicide, pointing to a note in her handwriting on the bathroom door that read: “I want God.”
Dispute Over the Cause of Death: Suicide or Crime?
The Suicide Narrative (Official and Family Version)
Judicial authorities and forensic medicine confirmed that the evidence supported the suicide hypothesis. The handwriting of the note matched hers, and there were no fingerprints or signs of strangulation from another person.
The investigation was officially closed based on this evidence, and the Supreme Judicial Council issued a final ruling confirming that the death was a suicide.
Her mother, an educator, and her father spoke of her being under psychological pressure and rejected attempts to exploit the incident in the media.
The Doubts and Suspicion Narrative
On the other hand, doctors and community activists questioned the suicide hypothesis, citing medical findings: deep cuts on her hands reaching the bone, bruises on her neck and legs, and evidence that the security cameras had been disabled before the incident.
This contradiction caused shock and widespread anger among the public, sparking a wave of protests and criticism on social media, with hashtags such as:
#Ban_Ziad_is_not_suicide, #Dr_Ban_case, and #Ban_Ziad_the_murdered.
Public Outcry: Protests and Media Coverage
Baghdad’s Tahrir Square and Basra’s Corniche witnessed large protests involving doctors, lawyers, and human rights activists, demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the case.
Warnings emerged about politicizing the case and political pressure, while many human rights advocates and journalists demanded that the truth not be buried and that those responsible be held accountable—whether it was a crime or a true suicide.
Authorities’ Position and Investigations
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani formed a specialized investigative committee and personally followed up on the case in cooperation with the judiciary and the Ministry of Interior. Testimonies were heard, and the statements of the personal claimants were recorded.
After the investigations concluded, the Supreme Judicial Council officially announced that the death was a suicide and closed the case permanently, while leaving the family the option to turn to the judiciary if they faced harassment.
Legal expert Musadaq Adel explained that the decision was final, binding, and legally confirmed, and that those who cast doubt on the investigation could face legal action from the family or the public prosecutor.
Quick Summary
| Side | Details |
|---|---|
| Official and Family Position | Leads to the suicide hypothesis, based on evidence such as handwriting match and absence of signs of external interference. |
| Activists and Human Rights Advocates | Point to atypical injuries for suicide and disabled cameras, suggesting possible foul play. |
| Public Reaction | Popular protests and widespread anger, with a media campaign calling for justice and transparency. |
| Judicial Outcome | Investigation officially closed, with suicide declared as the final ruling. |
In short, the case of Dr. Ban has become a symbol of debate around women’s rights, the pressures faced by healthcare workers, justice pathways, and freedom of expression in Iraq. Despite the official closure of the case, public opinion continues to follow it closely, demanding real accountability if something was covered up or hidden.
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