ERBIl, Kurdistan Region - The tragic passing of Rudaw’s Baghdad Bureau Chief, Halkawt Aziz (1989 - 2026), has prompted an outpouring of condolences and solidarity from political leaders across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, with many honoring him as a distinguished journalist deeply committed to amplifying the Kurdish voice.
Aziz, 36, passed away after succumbing to critical injuries sustained in a car accident while traveling from the Iraqi capital Baghdad to the southernmost Basra province. He leaves behind his wife and two sons, as well as his father, mother, and six siblings.
Kurdistan
The office of President Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), stated, “With great sadness, we received the news of the passing of journalist Halkawt Aziz,” offering “condolences and sympathy to the family, relatives, and acquaintances” of the late journalist, “as well as to all journalists and media professionals in Kurdistan.”
“We consider ourselves to share in their grief,” the preeminent Kurdish leader's office said.
For his part, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani extended his “deepest condolences” to Aziz’s “family, relatives, and colleagues,” hailing him as a “skilled, dedicated, and active journalist who made significant contributions to the field of media.”
Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also expressed his “condolences and sympathies” to the Rudaw correspondent’s loved ones, sharing in their grief and praying that his “soul rests in peace in heaven and [God] bestows patience and comfort” upon them.
Similarly, the Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, stated that “the passing of the talented journalist Halkawt Aziz has brought us grief and sorrow,” offering condolences “from the depths of my heart.”
Talabani highlighted Aziz’s legacy as “a brave and dedicated correspondent who worked tirelessly to convey information truthfully from Baghdad,” adding that “for that reason, he had earned a place in everyone’s heart, and now all mourn the loss of this dear individual.”
Safeen Dizayee, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations, also expressed sadness over the passing of Rudaw’s Baghdad bureau chief, describing him as “a truly loyal voice for his work and the people of Kurdistan.”
The Kurdistan Region’s ruling KDP, through its Spokesperson Mahmoud Mohammed, described the passing of “the talented media professional and journalist Halkawt Aziz,” as “deeply saddening.”
“Halkawt was a brave and sincere media worker, with great love for his profession and for the just cause of our [Kurdish] people,” Mohammed said, underlining that “he worked tirelessly, and with his passing we have lost a patriotic young man and a prominent, respected journalist.”
Furthermore, Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), remarked, “With deep sorrow and sadness, we received the news of the passing of the esteemed journalist Halkawt Aziz,” extending his condolences and sympathy to Aziz’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“We share in their grief,” Talabani added, praying that his soul be granted “eternal peace in paradise” and that “patience and comfort” be bestowed upon his loved ones.
Moreover, the Kurdistan Region’s leading political parties - including the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), Kurdistan Justice Group (KJG), Kurdistan Islamic Movement (KIM), and the Change Movement (Gorran) - have all mourned the death of Halkawt Aziz.
Iraq
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi extended his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of the late journalist,” as well as “to his colleagues at Rudaw Media Network and to the entire press and media community,” following the tragic passing of Aziz.
“The deceased was an exemplar of a committed media professional,” Amedi said, adding that “throughout his years of work as a correspondent and director of the Network’s bureau in Baghdad, he contributed to reporting events and covering national issues with professionalism and responsibility.”
Similarly, Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, stated that “the media community has lost a professional voice known for his dedication to his journalistic mission, his tireless efforts to convey the truth, and his service to society.”
“This painful loss leaves a profound impact on everyone who knew him and worked with him,” Numan said.
For its part, the Azm Alliance, led by prominent Sunni Arab politician Muthanna al-Samarrai, said it “shares sorrow with the family and colleagues of the deceased over this painful loss,” honoring his “efforts in media work and the fulfillment of his professional mission.”
Meanwhile, Ali al-Daffayi, spokesperson for the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq - led by prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric and politician Humam Hammoudi - expressed “sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the dear media family at Rudaw Media Network and to the respected family of the late brother Halkawt.”
He added, “May God envelop the dear departed in His vast mercy and grant his family and loved ones patience and solace.”
For his part, Sabah al-Salihi, spokesperson for the Hikmah Movement - led by prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric and politician Ammar al-Hakim - extended “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the management of Rudaw Media Network, the departed’s colleagues, and his honorable family.”
