Legacy of IS’ Speicher Massacre a decade later

In Wasit, a moving memorial stands to honor the victims of the Speicher Massacre in Iraq, where Iraqi Shi’a Air Force cadets were brutally killed by the Islamic State group on June 12, 2014. Inspired by Baghdad’s Freedom Monument, designed by artist Jawad Salim, this memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic event for future generations.

On the 10th anniversary of the massacre, the victims’ families traveled to the site in Tikrit, supported by the Iraqi government with transportation, assistance, and security.

This massacre, described as the worst committed by IS, shocked the world with its brutality. The victims’ families have been seeking justice, and in 2019, former Iraqi president President Barham Salih adopted the first draft Law of its type for the Equity of Martyrs of Camp Speicher, recognizing it as a humanitarian disaster.

Despite some legislative and accountability efforts, there is still more work to be done to achieve justice for the victims and their families. Moving forward, recognizing and honoring these sacrifices is essential for reconciliation and healing in Iraq.

The Supreme Judicial Council is working to officially recognize the Speicher massacre as genocide and a crime against humanity, highlighting the need for global acknowledgment of the injustices endured by the Shia Muslim community in Iraq.

Overall, the journey toward justice and accountability continues for the victims of the Speicher Massacre as the world grapples with the legacy of this tragic event.