ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Member of Parliament Vian Dakhil filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against civil activist Hisham al-Shammari after he called Yazidis “infidels” in a social media post.

Dakhil, who is herself a Yazidi, announced the legal move in a video from outside the Karkh Third Court in Baghdad, saying Shammari’s comments were offensive and dangerous, especially in light of the suffering the Yazidi community has endured since the 2014 genocide by ISIS.

“This statement targets an essential part of the Iraqi people,” Dakhil said. “Even after 11 years of genocide, there are still people with extremist thinking who describe Yazidis with such hateful language.”

She called on the Iraqi judiciary to take legal action not only against Shammari but against anyone who insults the religious beliefs of Iraqis.

In a Facebook post, Shammari wrote: “A Muslim is not allowed to ask for mercy for non-Muslims. Yazidis are infidels. How can we pray for an infidel when God has promised them Hell?” He added, “You’ve even started being hypocrites in religion.”

Dakhil stressed that Yazidis would no longer remain silent about repeated attacks throughout history. She also made it clear that her respect for the Shammar tribe remains strong, noting that many tribe members supported Yazidis during the genocide. “We do not consider this person a representative of the Shammar tribe,” she said.

Article 372 of the Iraqi Penal Code criminalizes insulting religions. It allows for up to three years in prison or a fine for anyone who disrespects religious beliefs, rituals, or symbols.

Shortly before Dakhil’s statement, Shammari appeared in a video apologizing to the Yazidi community and said he was ready to turn himself in to authorities to face legal consequences.