In Southern Kurdistan where people are increasingly protesting the isolation of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan during the past one week, a mass rally was held in Sulaymaniyah city yesterday.

The demonstration organised by Tevgera Azadi and Southern Kurdistan Free Women's Movement (RJAK) was attacked by asayish and anti-terror police, as a result of which 10 people were injured and at least 15 were taken into custody.

Newroz TV journalist Afat Baz who was among those detained during the attack, remained in custody for three hours. Baz stated that he was subject to violence and torture with electricity while in the police vehicle. Police forces also broke the camera of Baz and seized his 3G internet device.

Tevgera Azadi co-chair Mıhemmed Abdullah strongly criticised the crackdown and detentions which he likened to the repressive policies of the Turkish and Iranian states and the Baath regime against Kurds.