Tensions continue to run high after the popular demonstrations of the last three days in Southern Kurdistan. Authorities have started issuing statements on the third day, but the demands of the people have not clearly been addressed.
The popular demonstrations that started in Southern Kurdistan’s 13 provinces the previous day continued on yesterday. Thousands of people took to the streets in Suleymaniyah and the neighbouring areas calling for the government to resign. In Asayish forces’ attacks, 7 people have been killed and hundreds have been wounded.
6 KILLED IN RANIA
6 people have been killed in an attack against protesters in Suleymaniyah’s Rania district. 150 people were wounded in the Asayish attack. Dozens of the wounded are in critical condition. Some of the wounded have been taken to hospitals in Suleymaniyah. The Peshmerga forces in the city are reported to have withdrawn in the evening hours. Tensions continue in Rania.
1 KILLED IN KOYE
Another person was killed in an attack against protesters in Koye. Dozens of others were wounded.
NRT TV BROADCAST HALTED
Suleymaniyah based NRT TV studios were raided by the Asayish as protests spread. Broadcast of the television was halted and dozens of employees were detained. The Kurdish and Arabic language network NRT TV is accused with provoking protesters.
ABDULWAHID DETAINED
Meanwhile, Şaswar Abdulwehid was detained in the airport last night as he returned to Suleymaniyah from London. Abdulwehid is the leader of the “New Generation Movement”, accused of organizing the protests. An arrest warrant had been issued the other day against him.
GOVERNMENT STATEMENT
Southern Kurdistan government issued a written statement yesterday morning and asked that buildings not be set on fire. But in many provinces, KDP, PUK, Goran offices and official buildings have been set on fire.
BARZANI’S STATEMENT
Regional Prime Minister Neçirvan Barzani issued a statement after 6 people were killed in Ranya and called for “composure”, but didn’t speak at all about the demands of the protesters.
PARLIAMENT’S STATEMENT
The statement issued by the Southern Kurdistan Parliament asked that the “protests continue peacefully”.
ABADI: “WE WILL INTERVENE”
Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar Abadi issued a statement on the incidents as well. Abadi said they will intervene if protesters are harmed.
TEVGERA AZADI CO-CHAIR MISSING
Meanwhile, Tevgera Azadi (“Freedom Movement”) Suleymaniyah Provincial Co-chair Azad Ömer hasn’t been heard from since yesterday’s protests.
