Shaswar Abdulwahid
Shaswar Abdulwahid | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 2, 1978 Iraq |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Known for | Founder of NRT media, head of the New Generation Movement |
Shaswar Abdulwahid (; born 2 December 1978) is a prominent Iraqi Kurdish entrepreneur and political figure, serving as the head of the New Generation Movement and the founder of NRT media.
Business
Abdulwahid established Nalia Media Corporation, which stands as one of the leading media enterprises in Kurdish Iraq. The corporation manages NRT News, various television channels, real estate projects, and a recreational theme park.
Kurdistan referendum 2017
His political involvement began around the time of the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum, where he initiated a campaign titled "No for now." Abdulwahid criticized the referendum, suggesting it was a strategy by Kurdish authorities to retain their power.
New Generation Movement
At its inaugural congress, Abdulwahid was chosen as president of the New Generation Movement. In the 2018 Kurdistan parliamentary elections, the party won eight seats, and in the 2018 Iraqi parliamentary elections, it secured four seats. He stressed the importance of having an opposition within parliament and opted not to join the ruling coalition.
Arrests
On 3 March 2019, Abdulwahid was taken into custody in Sulaimani on allegations under Articles 229 and 434 of Iraq’s penal code. He had experienced previous detention in 2017. Later, on 12 August 2025, the Iraqi News Agency announced his arrest in Sulaymaniyah; his sister Sarwa claimed he was forcibly taken by a group connected to Bafel Talabani and Qubad Talabani, with coordination from Masrur Barzani, and that his place of detention remained undisclosed.
Assassination attempt
Prior to his political career, Abdulwahid survived an attempt on his life in October 2013 that resulted in a leg injury. He attributed this attack to his role as owner of NRT TV, emphasizing that he had no political affiliations or personal disputes, underscoring the dangers faced by media proprietors in the region.