Iraqi model and Instagram star shot dead in Baghdad

Baghdad : An Iraqi model and Instagram star has been shot dead at the wheel of her Porsche in central Baghdad. A video footage showed the moment the gunman opened fire through the window of the white convertible being driven by Tara Fares on Thursday. The gunman fled the scene on the back of a motorcycle as the Porsche continued to roll forward slowly. Security forces verified the authenticity of the video but did not give any more details about the killers or possible motivations.

The interior ministry said the 22-year-old suffered “three fatal bullet wounds” as she drove through the capital’s Camp Sarah district. An investigation into the killing has been launched, AFP reported. Fares, a fashionista with 2.7 million followers on Instagram, became famous for her pictures, showing her sporting tattoos, different hair colors and adventurous outfits. But her persona and images drew strong criticism from conservatives.

Her killing came days after a human rights activist and mother of four was shot dead in Basra. Soad Al Ali, who had been involved in organizing protests demanding better services in the city, was killed by gunmen who opened fire as she was getting in her car, AP reported.