Ali Shaker was a 38-year-old martial artist and major figure in the country's sports world. A former national champion in karate and judo, he was the chief of Iraq's Karate Union and the head of the Babil branch of Iraq's soccer association.

Mr. Shaker was seized by men dressed as police officers at a false chekpoint in Latifiyah. His body was found floating in a river the next day.

Ali Shaker leaves behind his wife and three daughters.