VIDEOS: Kurdish father rejects rumors of burning his daughter

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Rumors had been published online accusing a Kurdish father of burning his daughter alive, but the father and his son explain the incident to Kurdistan24.

Recently, rumors circulated on Kurdish social media channels accusing a father of pouring gasoline on his daughter, Sarwin Nobadar, in the town of Mergasor in Erbil Province and burning her alive.

Sarwin was reportedly burned to death for falling in love with someone her father disapproved of.

Nobadar Ali, Sarwin’s father, rejected the rumors accusing him, and his son, of burning his daughter to death.

“The rumors published in the media are very cruel and inhumane. They are baseless,” Ali cried.

“Sarwin was the most beloved and dearest person to me, the rumors are baseless. She burnt herself because of a personal problem,” he explained.

Ali mentioned he had never abused his daughter, questioning what kind of parent would want unhappiness for their children.

Sarwin was 22-years-old and studying her second year of a Bachelor’s in International Relations at Ishik University in Erbil.

“I raised her by working hard as a laborer,” the father continued. “I sent her to one of the best schools in Kurdistan.”

Ali criticized some media and people for publishing “cruel and baseless” information online instead of expressing condolences to him for the tragic loss.

He expressed his openness for any investigation on the death of his daughter.

Moreover, Sarwin’s brother Barzan told Kurdistan24 he saw when she poured gasoline and burned herself. 

“When I saw her pouring gasoline, I ran toward her and tried to extinguish the fire, but the fire burned my face and hands,” he said.

After receiving treatment at the hospital, Barzan stated he used a natural Kurdish medicine commonly used in the area for burn injuries.

[Sarwin's brother, Barzan, while receving treatment in hospital. (Photo: Kurdistan24)]

“My father also tried, but the fire burned his hand and jacket too,” he added.

Barzan explained he tried to use a water hose to extinguish the fire, “but it was too late…she passed away because of her severe pain.”

Sarwin passed away after one week of hospitalization in a hospital in Erbil.

The Mayor of Mergasor Ghafour Malaswar also confirmed to Kurdistan24 the rumors were not true, and the preliminary information reveals the lady burned herself due to a personal problem.  

“The security continues their investigation and, later, we will publicly explain the final result of the case to the public,” Malaswar stated.

Honor killing is a phenomenon common in many Muslim countries.

Statistics show honor killings decreased in the Kurdistan Region during the last decade while the number of women committing suicide remained high.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany