| Sardasht Osman | |
| Birth Date: | 25 December 1987 |
| Birth Place: | Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan |
| Death Place: | Mosul, Iraq |
| Education: | English language, Salahaddin University |
| Occupation: | Freelance journalist, student |
| Nationality: | Kurd |
Sardasht Osman (Kurdish: سەردەشت عوسمان,Serdeşt Osman)[1] [2] was an Iraqi Kurdish journalist and student from Erbil who was kidnapped on 4 May 2010 outside the College of Arts Building where he studied English. On May 6, 2010, his body was found in neighbouring Mosul city. He was known in Iraqi Kurdistan for articles criticising the Kurdistan Region and Masoud Barzani. Some of his articles were published under a pseudonym on several Kurdish websites.
Osman's work was best known for being critical of the Kurdistan Regional Government; the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), one of the two Kurdish ruling parties; and the Barzani family in charge of the KDP. Their prominent officials included Kurdistan Region President and KDP leader Massoud Barzani, KDP deputy leader and former regional PM Nechirvan Barzani, and head of the security agency Parastin, Masrur Barzani. Nechirvan is Massoud Barzani's nephew, while Masrur is his son. Osman wrote articles for independent news websites, only a few of which have been translated into English. He started writing as a journalist in 2004. in his short time of journalist, he became a well known person among liberals and critical thinkers.
Osman received death threats through e-mail and telephone almost immediately after writing an article about Massoud Barzani. The threats were aimed at Osman and his family.
Osman was abducted on 3 May. According to eyewitnesses and the police, an unidentified white Hyundai minibus with a concealed number plate stopped in front of the college just as Osman exited. The men then pushed him into the van and drove off. His handcuffed body was found two days later outside Mosul, Iraq, with two bullets in his head.
In a statement, Jalal Talabani condemned the abduction and killing of Osman. He expressed his condolences to Osman's family, friends and colleagues.
Barham Salih claimed that he was "dismayed" at the murder of Osman.
Osman's death came as a shock to most in Iraqi Kurdistan. Many independent media organisations condemned the killing and called for an independent investigation. Rallies and mass demonstrations were held inside and outside Iraqi Kurdistan, calling for those responsible to be arrested. However, 14 years later, the murderer(s) has/have never been arrested or identified, which puts more responsibility on the kurdish ruling party (KDP).