16 January 2019
IFIR Press Release
International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) was informed by Fareidun’s family that “Mr. Fareidun Afsaji who has been in Iraqi Kurdistan (Sulaymaniyah) has disappeared. His family stated that Fareidun left Finland mid-December last year. His family last received a missed call from him on the 4th January 2019 in Iraqi Kurdistan, since then they have heard nothing from him.”
Fareidun Afsaji is from the Kurdish part of Iran. Fareidun’s family fled Iran in 1991 when he was only 12 following the execution of Fareidun’s older brother.
Dashty Jamal Secretary of International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR): said “We are very concerned for Mr Fareidun’s safety. IFIR has contacted both the Finnish Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) calling on them to Investigate Mr Fareidun’s disappearance, and informed them action needs to be taken to ensure his safety.”
Dashty also said “After receiving information regarding Fareidun’s disappearance we have also contacted the Kurdish Security forces (Asayesh) in Sulaymaniyah but we haven’t heard anything yet. Urgent action is required to find Fariedun, his family is extremely concerned about his disappearance.”