In the southern Kurdish metropolis of Sulaymaniyah, a demonstration on the occasion of the global day of action "Defend Kurdistan" was prevented by a large police contingent on Saturday. Following a ban issued at short notice, security forces of the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan), which governs Sulaymaniyah, prevented the participants from starting the march after an opening rally. Protests against the ban were met with the massive use of tear gas and batons. Several people were injured and detained.  

The Azadî movement (Tevgera Azadî ya Civaka Kurdistanê) announced on Tuesday in Sulaymaniyah that at least three people are still in police custody. At a press conference, Şehên Mihemed, the co-chair of the movement in Sulaymaniyah, demanded their immediate and unconditional release. Two of the people held in police custody since Saturday are members of the Azadî movement, while another person concerned belongs to the youth movement. So far, only one contact with a legal advisor has been possible.

Şehên Mihemed explained that a demonstration had also been planned and approved in Sulaymaniyah as part of the worldwide day of action against the Turkish attacks on Kurdistan. The Azadî movement had taken part in the demonstration, and three people were detained towards the end. Apparently there is a power within the security forces that wants to prevent protests against the Turkish occupation, Mihemed said.