Sulaymaniyah University opens probe into professor over leaked audio allegations

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — The University of Sulaymaniyah has launched a formal investigation into Abdullatif Ahmed Mustafa, a faculty member at the College of Islamic Sciences described in Kurdish media as a recognized figure in the Salafi movement in the Kurdistan Region. University officials said the decision came after audio recordings, allegedly involving the professor and female students, circulated on social media. The university said a high-level investigation commission was formed on June 18, 2026, and that the inquiry will be conducted under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office. It added that the findings would be shared with the public transparently and that any violations identified would be addressed in accordance with the law. Students at the College of Islamic Sciences issued a statement calling for the professor's permanent removal from his academic and administrative duties at the university. They said the allegations had damaged the institution's reputation and alleged that students at the college were subjected to unequal treatment based on gender. The students also announced a protest measure, saying they would boycott classes at the start of the new academic year if their demands are not met. No further details on the investigation were immediately available.