[2][3][4] The publication of one of her books in Turkish led to its ban in Turkey and provoked a freedom of expression case in Europe.
[6][7] Schmidt knew two Kurdish-language dialects, Sorani and Kirmanji, and according to Die Zeit newspaper, she was well-known among Kurds.
[3] The United States accused the Iraqi government of putting prices on the killing of foreigners in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.
[4][17][18] The murder of German journalists does not occur frequently but Schmidt is part of a growing number to have been killed in conflicts abroad.
[19] German politician Angelika Beer wore ribbons in her hair of the Kurdish national colors in honor of her friend Lissy Schmidt and for this was criticized by the Turkish government while on an official visit.