Ashur Sarnaya, a 45-year-old Iraqi Christian in a wheelchair, was fatally stabbed on Wednesday evening at the entrance of his apartment in Lyon while conducting a live stream on TikTok.
The victim, described by his caretaker as vulnerable and discreet, had no known enemies. An intentional homicide investigation has been opened.
Sarnaya, originally from Ankawa in Iraqi Kurdistan, one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East, had fled prosecution of the Islamic state and settled in Lyon with his sister.
A devout member of the Assyro-Chaldean community, he regularly shared religious messages, sang Christian songs, and prayed during his online broadcasts. His posts frequently drew hateful comments and sometimes even harassment by Muslims, including an attack this spring.
On Wednesday evening, around 10:30 p.m. neighbours heard what sounded like an altercation at the entrance of Sarnaya’s building. A resident, hearing the commotion, went down and discovered Sarnaya with a severe neck wound, inflicted with a sharp weapon.
Emergency services arrived shortly after but found him in cardiac arrest and were unable to save him. Witnesses reported seeing a man, identified by one neighbour as the attacker, fleeing the scene on foot, dressed in dark clothing with a hood,.
Residents highlighted Sarnaya’s quiet and unobtrusive life, noting he lived with his sister for over a decade and was respected within the building.
In a statement, the Œuvre d’Orient condemned the killing, emphasizing the importance of Christians in the Middle East being able to practice their faith safely.
”It is essential that Christians in the Middle East can bear witness to their faith in complete safety and live with dignity,” the association stated.
