Detained Anfal Survivor to PUKMEDIA: “Time Has Come for Justice”

Kurdistan 09:01 PM - 2025-07-31

Anfal atrocities.

The Office of Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed announced on Thursday, 31 July 2025, the arrest of Ajaj Ahmed Hardan, a key suspect in the Anfal atrocities committed during the era of the now-defunct Ba’ath regime.

According to available information, Ajaj Ahmed Hardan was one of the officials overseeing Nugrat al-Salman prison, located in the Samawah desert in southern Iraq. During the Anfal campaign, this facility was used to detain thousands of Kurds forcibly transferred by the regime. His arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to secure justice for the victims of the Anfal genocide.

In its statement, the First Lady’s office called on former detainees, relatives of victims, and families of the missing to come forward and pursue legal action against the accused.

Among the first to respond was Dara Hama Ali, a survivor of the Anfal operations who was imprisoned in Nugrat al-Salman. Speaking to PUKMEDIA, he expressed both relief and determination following the announcement.

“Ajaj was the supervisor of Nugrat al-Salman prison. He committed horrific crimes against detainees and the families of Anfal victims. I was overjoyed to hear of his arrest. The time has come for survivors and families to file lawsuits, so he may be held accountable for his crimes.”

Dara Hama Ali emphasised that his intention to file a lawsuit is not driven by revenge but by a desire for truth and justice.

“Through legal complaints, we can expose the full scale of the Anfal crimes and potentially uncover others involved. His testimony could help identify additional perpetrators.”

He further recalled the cruelty endured during detention: “Ajaj was extremely hostile towards us and our families. I personally witnessed him mistreat women and children without hesitation. As someone who lived through these horrors, I am proud to be among the first to seek justice.”

The arrest of Ajaj Ahmed Hardan offers a renewed opportunity to shed light on the Anfal campaign and hold those responsible to account. The First Lady’s office continues to urge all those affected to contact them in order to participate in legal proceedings against the suspect.



PUKMEDIA