Baghdad – Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue hosted a virtual academic symposium titled "Suicide in Iraq: Causes and Legal Position", bringing together a diverse group of specialists, researchers, and journalists. Keynote presentations were delivered by Dr. Ahmed Al-Ezirjawi, Professor of Psychology at the University of Karbala; Dr. Ahmed Al-Ansari, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kufa; and Dr. Nagham Al-Shawi from the University of Fallujah.
Speaking to Al-Nabaa News Agency, Forum Director Dr. Alaa Al-Silawi stated that the primary driver for addressing this issue is the alarming rise in suicide cases across Iraq. He noted that recent days have seen suicides involving a military officer, a policeman, students, and civilians spanning all segments of society.
Al-Silawi explained that the symposium examined the phenomenon through psychological, social, and legal lenses. He said, "From a psychological perspective, internal struggles push individuals toward suicide, compounded by external pressures such as social distress, economic hardship, and political instability". Al-Silawi added that the weakening of religious motivation also plays a role in this trend.
Al-Silawi further highlighted the stance of Iraqi law, noting that while suicide itself is not classified as a criminal offense under Iraqi law, Article 408 of the Iraqi Penal Code explicitly criminalizes incitement to suicide and aiding or abetting it.