The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP) Mardin MP Beritan Güneş held a press conference in the South Kurdistan representation of the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) in Hewler (Erbil) about the repression and threats against the party members in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Beritan Güneş recalled that members and supporters of the HDP sought refuge in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) due to the threats and attacks of the Turkish state. She continued: “Now, they are subjected to threats from the Turkish intelligence service (MIT) in South Kurdistan. The HDP is fighting for the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in four parts of Kurdistan on a democratic basis.”

Beritan Güneş stated that the HDP representative office had been under surveillance for days by suspected MIT agents. On 29 October, these people attempted to carry out an attack on the building but were prevented by the local members of the HDP.

The MP continued: “The Government of Kurdistan Region is responsible for ensuring the safety of the lives of our members and supporters. The KRI government should determine and penalise those behind these attacks and threats. We call upon the relevant institutions, the United Nations and human rights organisations not to allow threats against the lives of political refugees. The KRI government should not let South Kurdistan turn into a territory where Kurds are murdered and exposed to terror attacks.”