In brief
Iraqi women's rights activist Sarah Jassim says her phone is a weapon in the fight against public sexual harassment, yet the price is death threats, acid–attack warnings and social isolation. She claims posted videos have led to arrests but also to a near‑complete withdrawal from public life. Survivors like Amal are battling deep legal and cultural obstacles, and activists warn that justice is hampered by a lack of clear laws and protection. The story highlights the urgent need for Iraq to criminalise harassment and to build shelters for survivors, while activists persist in using social media to document abuse.
Sarah Jassim, an Iraqi women's rights activist, says “your camera is your weapon” after posting videos of public sexual harassment.
She claims the videos have led to arrests, but the price is death threats, acid‑attack warnings, and a near‑complete social isolation.
Jassim has spent the last months barely venturing outside and says “without law‑enforcement, no one will protect us.”
Other survivors, such as Amal, are fighting decades of legal barriers, neglect and the threat of “honour killings.”
Experts argue Iraq must criminalise harassment and strengthen shelters; meanwhile activists continue to post the footage hoping justice will eventually arrive.
