Shiwa Nahadi and other Family Memebrs Filed an Action Against Islamic Republic of Iran and IRGC for Extrajudicial Killing of Omer Mahmoudzaeh, an American citizen, by IRGC's Missiles and Drone Attack in Northern Iraq. 

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Press Release

March 6, 2023

 

The Herischi Human Rights Law Center filed an action against Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) for the killing of an American aid worker, Omer “Chicho" Mahmoudzadeh, in northern Iraq by direct drone and missile attack. This brutal terrorist attack destroyed UNESCO children's school in Koya, killed at least 13, and wounded up to 50 people. 

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On September 28th, IRGC launched a well-planned operation, firing ballistic missiles and drones from Iranian territory into Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting Kurdish Iranian refugee camps where Chicho was conducting humanitarian work. On that day, Chicho was killed as he carried out his daily tasks when the area was hit by ballistic missiles and drones. Local anti-terrorist security forces estimated that at least 70 ballistic missiles and dozens of drones were used against the refugee camps in Koysinjaq, Iraq. 

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Challenged by this wave of anti-regime demonstrations, Iran once again projected the crisis and violence beyond its borders. The killing of Mahsa Jina Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was beaten to death by the "morality police" in Tehran, sparked an uprising rooted in Kurdish areas with the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," that has engaged all parts of Iran in the fight for equal human rights. It is estimated that thousands of people have been detained and hundreds killed. 

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The IRGC confirmed their brutal attack against stateless refugees who have lived in fear of persecution from the Iranian regime for decades. They even published a video from the day of the operation, showcasing their plan and firing of the missiles and drones. that killed 13 people, including Chicho, women, and children. One of the victims was an infant boy who tragically became a symbol of the youngest victim killed by the Iranian regime's terrorism and a message to the world to condemn the IRGC's barbarism.

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The U.S. State Department strongly condemned the attack and Iran's use of ballistic missiles and drones against the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that killed an American Citizen. The attack was condemned internationally, with several European countries and UN agencies condemning the cross-border terrorism against Iraqi territory and Iranian Kurds.

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Chicho devoted years of his life to helping Kurdish refugees, driven by his belief in equal rights and the importance of social justice. His communities in Kurdistan, Virginia, and Europe emphasize his passion and dedication to help immigrants and refugees. The residents of the refugee camps describe Chicho's selflessness engagement, belief, and work as irreplaceable. He was returned to Kurdistan, Iraq in 2018 to contribute to the refugee situation in Kurdistan, Iraq. 

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Chicho's family and friends remember him as a person who dedicated his life to helping refugees and stood up for democratic values, human rights, and vulnerable refugees. After the revolution in Iran, Chicho's involvement in human rights activities began in Mahabad, Iran. At the age of twenty, he became a member of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI) and was known for his humanitarian values and selflessness attitude. He was killed while serving those in need. 

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This case is brought under terrorism exception of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia through Plaintiffs attorney, Mr. Ali Herischi of Herischi Human Rights Law Center. We are hopeful to hold perpetrators accountable for cross-border terrorism committed by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. 

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Contact:

Ali Herischi, Esq.

Herischi Human Rights Law Center

301-363-4540

info@herischi.com 

www.Herischi.com 

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