President Barzani Expresses Sorrow Over Death of Young Student at Graduation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - President Masoud Barzani on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Zilan Dashti, a 23-year-old Salahaddin University student who suffered a medical emergency during her graduation ceremony in Erbil on Thursday evening.

In a condolence message addressed to her father, Dashti Omar Osman, President Barzani extended his sympathies to the bereaved family and the university's students, describing the young woman's passing as a deeply saddening incident.

"It was with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of your beloved daughter, Zilan Dashti, who died yesterday due to an illness during the graduation ceremony of Salahaddin University students," President Barzani said.

He added that he shared the family's grief and prayed for their strength and comfort during the difficult time.

"May Almighty God grant you patience and comfort, and may He bless the pure soul of your daughter Zilan with a place in paradise," the message read.

Student Dies Following Health Emergency

Zilan, a student in the Department of Environmental Science and Health at Salahaddin University-Erbil, was attending the university's 45th graduation ceremony when she suffered a sudden health emergency.

Rezhwan Dler, a representative of students at the university's College of Science, told Kurdistan24 on Thursday that the 23-year-old had died after experiencing a heart-related medical condition during the ceremony.

Saman Abdullah, director of media at Salahaddin University, separately confirmed her death to Kurdistan24.

"Unfortunately, we confirm the passing of Zilan Dashti," Abdullah said.

He explained that the student experienced the medical emergency inside the stadium where the graduation ceremony was taking place and died while being transported to a hospital.

The university's confirmation established the circumstances of the emergency, although no further medical details were provided.

Graduation Ceremony in Erbil

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, Nov. 12, as Salahaddin University-Erbil held the graduation ceremony for its 45th graduating class.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani was among those attending the ceremony, which marked the completion of university studies for members of the graduating class.

The occasion was overshadowed by the death of Zilan, whose passing was subsequently confirmed by university authorities.

In his message the following day, President Masoud Barzani addressed not only the student's family but also her fellow students, acknowledging the wider grief surrounding the incident.

"I extend my condolences to you, your family and the dear students, and I share in your grief," he wrote.

President Barzani concluded his message with a prayer for Zilan's soul and an expression of sympathy for her father and relatives.

The condolence statement, dated Nov. 13, was issued one day after the young student's death during what had been intended as a celebration of academic achievement.