Usama Al Shahmani

[1] He studied Arabic language and literature at the University of Baghdad before completing a doctorate.

While still completing his doctorate, Al Shahmani wrote a play in 2002 which was performed on the university stage in Basra.

It was banned after the third performance, and all those involved were subsequently persecuted by Saddam Hussein's regime.

Al Shahmani managed to flee to Switzerland, where he lived in refugee housing for two years and taught himself German.

[2] Al Shahmani now lives in Frauenfeld with his family and works as an interpreter, translator and author.