20 November 2025
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR) expresses its deep concern over the continued absence of official information regarding the fate and legal status of journalist Wissam Rashid, who disappeared on the evening of 18 October 2025. His family and close associates later confirmed that he is being held by the National Security Service (NSS), yet no legal details have been provided, nor has he been allowed contact with his lawyer or family.
Despite the passage of several weeks, legal procedures remain shrouded in secrecy, and no clear information has been made available to his relatives, who continue to seek answers regarding the reasons for his detention, the circumstances surrounding his arrest, and his current conditions.
Throughout this period, IOHR observed the circulation of several claims purporting to contain details from an allegedly “secret” investigation. These claims raise serious questions about the source of such information and whether a breach or deliberate misuse of the National Security Service’s name is taking place to disseminate fabricated narratives.
IOHR also received information indicating that certain individuals have been alleging the existence of arrest warrants for dozens of people, while the confirmed and verified fact remains that Wissam Rashid is the only person currently detained in connection with this case.
Whether these actions involve genuine leaks or knowingly false claims, they undermine the credibility of state institutions and open the door to disinformation and manipulation. This requires a firm response from the National Security Service, including legal action against those spreading falsehoods that harm the institution’s reputation.
IOHR underscores that the right of detainees to have their whereabouts disclosed and to communicate with legal counsel and family members is a fundamental human right. Procedural confidentiality should never translate into complete isolation or leave families in a state of uncertainty and distress. Detention must always comply with Iraqi law and international standards for due process and protection from arbitrary detention.
Preventing the family of Wissam Rashid from knowing his status while unidentified individuals freely circulate supposed “classified” information creates an environment conducive to blackmail, erodes public trust in security institutions, and undermines the rights and dignity of the detainee.
IOHR calls on the National Security Service to:
Disclose immediately the location and status of journalist Wissam Rashid.
Allow his family and legal counsel to visit him and review his legal situation.
Initiate an internal investigation to identify those spreading false information in the name of the NSS.
Take legal action against individuals exploiting the case for defamation or misinformation.
Issue an official public statement clarifying the legal basis for his detention and the progress of the investigation.
IOHR stresses that upholding the law begins with transparency. Professional handling of this case will restore public confidence, whereas leaving the matter ambiguous will fuel further misinformation and exploitation—threatening individual rights and damaging the credibility of state institutions.
