Al Hashimi was a hero of Iraq, prime minister tells murdered researcher’s sons

Mustafa Al Kadhimi vows to look after the boys 'as their father or brother'

Iraqi researcher Husham Al Hashimi was a hero, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi told the murdered man's children as he promised to be their father and find the men responsible.

Al Hashimi, 47, was an authoritative voice on militant groups and local politics who unofficially advised Mr Al Kadhimi. Using pistols with silencers, gunmen killed Al Hashimi on Monday as he parked his car in front of his apartment block in the Zayouneh district of Baghdad.

"Do not cry. Your father was a hero, you'll grow up and become really proud of him," Mr Al Kadhimi told Al Hashmi's four children as he visited their home to pay his condolences.

"The world is proud of him, everyone, whether they are in Iraq or out, they are proud of him because he used to challenge terrorism in order to build a better future for you."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi offers condolences to the family of the late former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office

Husham Al Hashimi was killed by gunmen outside his home in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi has promised to hold the killers of Husham Al Hashimi to account. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office

Iraqi protesters carry the picture of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi with a slogan reading in Arabic 'Al Hashimi is the martyr of the October Revolution'. EPA

Men walk past a mourning tent bearing the poster of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot outside his house this week. AFP

Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on Sunni factions including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and Shiite armed groups. AFP

He told the boys that he would be responsible for them, ensuring they got a good education and were supported. "I will be your father and brother," he said.

Mr Al Kadhimi said his friend "embodied the culture of Iraq."

"He was an intellectual, a professional and used to present Iraq in its best form," he said. "He served Iraq by writing. Only the cowardly are afraid of words," he said, in footage released by his office.

Mr Al Hashimi was an Al Rikaby, one of the most prominent Shiite families in the country.

A relative of Al Hashimi told the prime minister that his killers must be caught.

"I will do everything, as much as is in me, to pursue to the killers," Mr Al Kadhimi replied.

Although there is no claim of responsibility, the finger has been pointed at Iran-backed militias whom the researcher criticised vehemently.

The killing is widely seen as a message to Mr Kadhimi, who took office two months ago, and described the militias as a major factor behind failures of Iraq as a state and the organised crime in the country.

Less than a week before his assassination Al Hashimi appeared on TV to criticise Kataib Hezbollah militiamen arrested by the government for attacking US forces. He said Mr Al Kadhimi should not back down after ordering the raid on one of the militia's bases.

But Mr Al Kadhimi released the dozen or so militiamen and Kataeb Hezbollah's spokesman, Mohammed Mohie, described the raid on his group's headquarters as an act of "provocation" and warned of further escalation.

Anti-militia and anti-Iran civil figures were kidnapped and threatened in Iraq after the outbreak of the mass protest movement in October that demanded the removal of the entire political class.

Hundreds were abducted or disappeared and more than 700 protesters killed by security forces and militias.

As he walked the entrance of the apartment building where Al Hashimi lived, Mr Al Kadhimi passed by posters put up by members of the protest movement, mourning Al Hashimi – who supported the people's demands – as one of their own.

Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead outside his home in Baghdad on Monday night. AFP

Security forces stand guard at the scene of Husham Al Hashimi's assassination in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP

Iraqi police officers investigate the scene outside Husham Al Hashimi's house after he was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday following threats from Iran-backed militias. AP

Iraqis carry the coffin of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was assassinated by an unknown armed group outside his house. EPA

Mourners carry Husham Al Hishami's coffin during the funeral in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters

Al Hashimi, a leading expert on ISIS and other armed groups, was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday evening after receiving threats from Iran-backed militias, Iraqi security officials said. EPA

Mourners pray over the coffin of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashemi, who was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP

Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on militant factions, including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and armed groups. Reuters

A mourner cries during the funeral. Al Hashimi had warm ties with top decision-makers, including President Barham Saleh, but was also trusted by rival parties and armed groups, which used him as a mediator. AFP

A relative reacts during the funeral of former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi, who was killed by gunmen, in Baghdad. Reuters

Mourners embrace during the funeral of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot dead on Monday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP

An Iraqi federal policeman stands guard while mourners carry the flag-draped coffin of Husham Al Hashimi during his funeral in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP

A general view shows the spot where Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital Baghdad’s Zeyouneh district. AFP

One was signed by the teams of tuk-tuk motor taxis that have been ferrying wounded or dead demonstrators from the front lines of protests. Others were erected by organisers of the main sit-in at Baghdad's Tahrir Square.

"To heaven, brave man," a caption under Al Hashmi's picture read.