Palestinian 'kidnapped by militias' found dead in Iraq

Palestinian 'kidnapped by militias' found dead in Iraq
A Palestinian who was reportedly kidnapped by militias in Iraq has been found dead in a police morgue.
2 min read
24 May, 2016
Iraqi militias have reportedly been kidnapping Palestinians [Getty]
A Palestinian resident of Iraq who vanished near a local municipal building has been found dead in a police morgue on Wednesday. 
Iraqi security sources revealed that the kidnapping of the Palestinian resident was likely to have been carried out by affiliates of Hizballah in Iraq.

The attack took place outside the main local government building in east Baghdad's Baladiyet district.

"Khaled Abu-Nahr was kidnapped in front of the municipal buildings in full sight of the police headquarters and patrol guards... in the hands of gunmen in cars with interior ministry licence plates," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Association of Palestinians in Iraq issued a statement confirming the kidnapping, but said the Palestinian was kidnapped inside the municipal building.

According to the statement, Abu-Nahr was summoned by the intelligence services before he disappeared. Municipality officials, however, said they hadn't seen him.
Khaled Abu-Nahr was kidnapped in front of the municipal buildings in full sight of the police headquarters


Abu Nahr worked as a supervisor at al-Quds mosque in the municipal complex, home to many Palestinian refugees.

The Iraqi Palestinians' Association demanded urgent action from the Palestinian ambassador to Baghdad, and demanded the embassy follow up on the fate of Palestinians kidnapped in Iraq.

The statement also called on the Iraqi government to stop the "series of arrests" suffered by Palestinians in Iraq.

A-Nahr's family has also demanded "immediate action to uncover the fate of Khaled", highlighting the continued kidnappings in Baghdad waged by militias.

Palestinians in Iraq also accused their embassy in Baghdad of remaining silent about kidnappings and assassinations of Palestinians.

There are around 7,000 Palestinians in Iraq, mostly in Baghdad, after tens of thousands have left for various European countries after the community was targeted by militias.

Since 2003, Palestinians in Iraq have been subject to widespread harassment and arbitary arrests.

The most sustained campaign took place in 2007, when attacks by militias led to the killing and kidnapping of dozens of Palestinians.

At least 234 Palestinians were killed between 2003-2008 in Iraq at the hands of Iranian-backed militias. Most of the victims were killed in Baghdad.