Tevgera Azadi called for the release of around 30 people, including ANF reporter Rebaz Hesen, who were detained during a protest in Sulaymaniyah against the Turkish invasion attacks on the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan, northern Iraq.

Tevgera Azadi had called for a demonstration on Sunday. The action was banned by the authorities in Sulaymaniyah and those gathered were attacked by security forces. Between 25 and 30 people were detained during the crackdown, including ANF correspondent Rêbaz Hesen.

Neriman Ehmed from the executive committee of Tevgera Azadi said the following at a press conference in Sulaymaniyah on Monday, "We wanted to protest against the attacks of the Turkish state out of a sense of moral responsibility. Many people responded to our call."

No one expected the attack by the security forces, the politician said and continued, "We talked to the authorities for the release of those arrested. They told us it was an order 'from above' to arrest anyone taking part in the protest."

Ehmed condemned the attitude of the security forces of the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) party, which rules the Sulaymaniyah region, and called for the immediate release of those detained. He added that if the detainees are not released, they will take to the streets again.