The Kurdish journalism community is mourning the tragic loss of Halkawt Aziz, the Baghdad Bureau Manager for Rudaw Media Network, who passed away on Monday following a traffic accident on the Baghdad-Basra highway. He was 36 years old.
According to reports, Aziz sustained critical injuries after a collision involving a truck near Basra. Emergency responders transported him to Diwaniyah Hospital, where medical teams worked to save his life. Despite their efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries, leaving colleagues, friends, and family devastated by the sudden loss.
Halkawt Aziz was widely respected throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for his professionalism, dedication to journalism, and commitment to delivering accurate and timely news coverage. His passing marks a significant loss not only for Rudaw Media Network but also for the broader Kurdish media landscape.
Born with a passion for storytelling and communication, Aziz graduated from the Theater Department at the Kirkuk Institute of Fine Arts. His early interest in media and public affairs eventually led him to pursue a career in journalism, where he quickly earned recognition for his work ethic and reporting skills.
Before joining Rudaw Media Network in 2017, Aziz worked with Kirkuk TV, where he gained valuable experience covering important regional developments. His talent and dedication helped him advance within the profession, and he later became the head of Rudaw’s Baghdad office, overseeing the network’s coverage from Iraq’s capital and managing a team responsible for reporting on major political, social, and security developments.
Throughout his career, Aziz was known for his professionalism, calm demeanor, and commitment to journalistic integrity. Colleagues remember him as a supportive leader and mentor who worked tirelessly to ensure high-quality reporting while fostering a collaborative environment within the newsroom.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow journalists, media organizations, public officials, and members of the public who admired his contributions to Kurdish journalism. Many have shared tributes highlighting his dedication to his profession and the positive impact he had on those around him.
In a statement, colleagues and media professionals expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, recognizing his contributions to the industry and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
As family, friends, and colleagues mourn this heartbreaking loss, they also celebrate a life dedicated to truth, public service, and journalism. Halkawt Aziz’s contributions to Kurdish media will be remembered for years to come, and his absence will be deeply felt across the profession.
The thoughts and condolences of the journalism community remain with his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.