Baghdad child's mysterious death in school grips nation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The heartbreaking discovery of young Jude's lifeless body within a Baghdad school continues to shock and sadden the Iraqi public.

As the family grapples with unimaginable grief, unsettling details surrounding the incident raise troubling questions.

Jude, an autistic child, was found dead inside a government school in Baghdad's al-Shaab area. His family last saw him leaving home on his bicycle, unaware of the tragic fate that awaited him.

The victim's uncle revealed a disturbing twist: the family received messages on social media demanding a ransom before Jude's body was even found.

"We don't know if he was murdered or died naturally, but his body was swollen and unnatural," the uncle told Kurdistan24’s correspondent Saif Ali. "Before we even knew about his death, someone contacted us, claiming to be a mediator and demanding 15 million dinars."

The circumstances surrounding the child's death remain shrouded in mystery. The school, supposedly closed, had no guard and its security cameras were reportedly out of order.

Jude's grandfather recounted the grim scene, saying, "His body was swollen, dragged from a classroom to the schoolyard. We asked to check the cameras, but they said they hadn't worked for two months. The school guard was also absent. How did the child even get inside?"

Amid their sorrow, the family appeals to the Forensic Medicine Department to expedite the final report on Jude's cause of death.

They also urge the Ministry of Interior to swiftly conclude the investigation and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.

This tragic incident has reignited concerns about child safety and security lapses in public institutions. The public awaits answers, while Jude's family yearns for closure and justice for their beloved child.

Further reporting done by Kurdistan24's correspondent in Baghdad Saif Ali.