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Speak up for Ali Akram al-Bayati

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Your Excellency,

I am writing to express grave concern about the ongoing transnational repression targeting human rights defender Ali Akram al-Bayati, physician and human rights defender; former Commissioner of Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), documenting violations during the 2019 protests. The reach of state intimidation across borders, including against family members in Iraq, must end.

In brief: Ali Akram al-Bayati, a physician and former IHCHR Commissioner, was placed under investigation for defamation in 2022 for documenting torture claims while serving Iraq's national human rights institution. The case was closed in 2022, and he left Iraq fearing reprisals.

I respectfully urge your authorities to:
  1. Immediately end all transnational targeting of Ali Akram al-Bayati, including surveillance, defamation campaigns, Interpol misuse, and consular harassment;
  2. Withdraw any in-absentia convictions or politically motivated charges tied to peaceful human rights work;
  3. Comply with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and OHCHR guidance on transnational repression.

I will continue to monitor this case until Ali Akram al-Bayati's family and contacts in Iraq can live free from state reprisal.

Respectfully,

[Your name]
[Your city, country]
8 November 2026

Suggested recipients

Iraqi Embassy (Washington) USA [email protected]
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders United Nations · OHCHR [email protected]
UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention United Nations · OHCHR [email protected]
EU EEAS Human Rights Division European Union [email protected]