Kurdish MMA fighter Harda Karim, who competes internationally in mixed martial arts events across the Middle East and Europe, has said he is facing pressure and threats after concealing the Iraqi flag during a competition in Dubai.
Karim, who comes from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and has built his career through regional MMA circuits, told media that he was instructed by organisers to compete only under the Iraqi flag and was not allowed to identify himself as Kurdish or display the Kurdistan flag.
He said he responded by covering the flag in protest, stating: “I was told I could not say I am Kurdish… so I hid the Iraqi flag and showed that I am Kurdish.” Following the incident, he said he received hostile messages and threats, including insults directed at him and his family.
Karim also claimed he was warned his future participation in events could be affected unless he apologises. Despite the backlash, he said he has no regrets and would repeat his actions.
He is now calling for international support and for the right to represent Kurdish identity in sports competitions.
