United States Agency for Global Media

Alhurra-Iraq Assistant Videographer Samer Ali Shakara, 29, was killed in Baghdad on January 9th after an apparent carjacking that turned fatal.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Samer’s senseless murder. By all accounts, Samer was a dedicated cameraman who was well liked by his colleagues,” stated Amb. Alberto Fernandez, President of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. MBN manages and oversees Alhurra-Iraq.

Rafal Salih, Alhurra-Iraq’s Baghdad Bureau Chief added, “Samer was a talented cameraman who would selflessly assist any of his colleagues who needed help.” She went on to say that even under the most challenging circumstances, “Samer was the epitome of calm and was well liked by all of his colleagues. When he walked into the newsroom he radiated positivity.”

Shakara joined Alhurra-Iraq in February 2017 and served as an assistant cameraman reporting on many political and security issues around Baghdad. He also worked on the Raise Your Voice program Light Among Us, focusing on positive stories throughout Iraq. During his work on Light Among Us he helped tell the stories of those Iraqis who are dedicated to helping Iraqi orphans try and rebuild their lives after losing their parents. He also worked on an episode about a community in Karbala that supports the blind to act in plays.

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