Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Dr. Abdul Latif Salafi Shake University of Sulaimani as Students Prepare to Testify
SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Students at the College of Islamic Sciences at the University of Sulaimani say that ten female students they describe as victims are ready to testify before a university investigative committee examining allegations of sexual harassment against lecturer Dr. Abdul Latif Ahmad, also known as Abdullatif Salafi. A university spokesperson said officials are hearing all parties involved.
Salafi, also a leader within the Salafi movement and a controversial Salafi preacher.
The allegations have sparked ongoing reactions after audio recordings and claims circulated against Salafi, a lecturer and Islamic religious figure at the university.
Students from his college insist the case involves serious misconduct and say the process must not be diverted from what they describe as its original course.
Salafi Ahmad has denied all accusations, saying they are false and fabricated. In a Facebook post, he said the claims have no legal or religious basis and will not affect his message, adding that those behind the allegations should expect divine punishment.
In a written statement issued by several students from the College of Islamic Sciences, the group said they are fully convinced of the claims and assert they have witnessed more than what has been made public. They said they are prepared to present victims and testify before the committee.
The statement accuses Abdullatif Salafi of ethical violations, including sexual harassment of female students. It further claims that around ten victims have been identified and are ready to testify.
One student who signed the statement told Rudaw media that about fifteen students are aware of its contents and that others also support the claims.
The student said victims are expected to appear before the committee formed by the University of Sulaimani and urged that the investigation remain focused on verified victims and evidence.
On June 18, 2026, the University of Sulaimani announced it had formed a committee to investigate the allegations following public reaction.
University spokesperson Dr. Johan Osman said that the committee is a fact finding and follow up body tasked with conducting a detailed review of all aspects of the case.
He added that the committee includes legal experts and is working in coordination with the public prosecution in Sulaimani. He also said that any victim who wishes to speak will be fully heard and that no part of the case will be ignored.
The students outlined six main accusations against Salafi. They allege that academic grades were manipulated in exchange for inappropriate behavior toward female students, contributing to discrimination and dissatisfaction among students.
They also allege that exam questions were sold in exchange for gaining favor with female students. The students said they have evidence supporting this claim and that one of the victims is prepared to testify before both the committee and the public prosecutor.
The initial allegations were raised by a young man living outside the country known on social media as Yakhi, whose real name is Bilal Mahmoud.
He told the media that Salafi deceived four female students from the College of Islamic Sciences, who were his students, and that they were subjected to sexual harassment.
Audio recordings shared in connection with the case contain only a male voice. Yakhi said he edited the recordings over several hours to protect the identities of the women, stating that they trusted him and must remain anonymous due to social conditions.
He said the case involves four female students, not one, and that additional material exists. He added that some of the women are speaking out, while others have remained silent due to fear and social stigma.
Yakhi said one student first contacted him, and after further investigation he learned that three additional students had also reported harassment by the lecturer.
He also said he has repeatedly challenged Salafito a public mutual oath, known as mubahala, claiming the lecturer has refused.
The University of Sulaimani continues to state that its committee is reviewing all claims and will hear testimony from all relevant parties.
Students insist that the alleged victims are ready to testify, while Salafi maintains that all accusations against him are false and without legal or religious foundation.
Many observers and analysts say that in Sulaimani, which is under the influence and control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by Bafel Talabani, PUK-linked TV channels and media outlets appear to be presenting coverage that is supportive of Salafi.
Critics accuse these outlets and the PUK party of lacking transparency and say the PUK should allow a fully open and transparent investigation to proceed without influence.
They also claim that parts of the media coverage are trying to portray Salafi in a positive light, a view that others dispute.
(With files from Rudaw | Agencies)
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