Prominent Salafi leader Abdullatif Ahmad announced on Sunday that he had temporarily suspended his Friday sermons. The decision followed a formal request by the University of Sulaimani for the Public Prosecutor to initiate legal proceedings against him.
In a public statement, Ahmad said he had taken an immediate leave of absence from preaching. He said he would not resume his sermons until the courts restored what he described as his legal rights. He also expressed confidence that he would prevail both legally and under Islamic law.
Ahmad defended his reputation and rejected responsibility for the controversy. He described his dismissal as unjust and claimed it lacked a legal basis. He also accused individuals with malicious intent of pressuring local authorities to restrict his religious activities.
The controversy escalated in late June after the University of Sulaimani dismissed Ahmad from his position as a lecturer. The university took the action following allegations of sexual misconduct by female students. Critics later circulated audio recordings and messages they claimed were linked to the allegations. The university then launched an internal investigation.
On Wednesday, the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Higher Education permanently dismissed Ahmad from his academic post. The ministry announced the decision after completing its investigation. It also barred him from future employment in public service.
Hours before the announcement, social media users circulated a confidential letter from the Presidency of the University of Sulaimani. The letter asked the Public Prosecutor of Sulaimani to take legal action against Ahmad. It cited alleged criminal conduct related to his role in public office.
Ahmad also said the Directorate of Endowment had initially instructed him to continue delivering Friday sermons, but he claimed officials later suspended them due to external pressure. The case has also renewed attention to a 2016 incident, when private recordings showing Ahmad with a female student surfaced online, and the incident later ended with the two marrying. The latest allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Ahmad, and legal proceedings are expected to determine the outcome of the case.