Freelance photographer Osama Al Tamimi disappeared since January 2, 2020

Freelance photographer Osama Al Tamimi disappeared since January 2, 2020

On January 2, 2020, Osama Al Tamimi was abducted while returning from photographing a demonstration in Tahrir Square. Iraqi authorities have yet to officially disclose his fate and whereabouts.

On January 2, 2020, at 8 p.m., Osama Al Tamimi disappeared while he was returning home from participating in and photographing a demonstration at Tahrir Square. His mobile device was then turned off.

Although Al Tamimi’s family has not yet received any information about the perpetrators responsible for his abduction, they believe he was either abducted by Iraqi security forces or by a militia acting with the authorisation, support, acquiescence or approval of the state. The rising number of similar abductions recently reported in the capital is indicative of a pattern of enforced disappearances directed against peaceful anti-government demonstrators.

On January 5, 2020, Al Tamimi’s family filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown at Jamila’s police station in Baghdad, but to no avail.

His fate and whereabouts remained unknown until January 12, 2020, when his family was informally informed that he may be detained in Al Muthana Airport Prison in Baghdad. However, when they went to the prison to inquire, the authorities denied detaining him.

Timeline

October 2, 2020: On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the 2019-2021 Iraqi protests, MENA Rights Group sends a letter of allegation regarding the cases of six Iraqis abducted in relation to the Iraqi protests, including Al Tamimi, to four UN Special Procedures mandate holders.
January 15, 2020: MENA Rights Group requests urgent intervention of UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances.
January 5, 2020: Family files complaint at Jamila’s police station in Baghdad, but to no avail.
January 2, 2020: Al Tamimi is abducted by unidentified forces in Baghdad.
October 1, 2019: Anti-government protests begin in Baghdad.