The tent protest launched by the residents of the Martyr Rustem Cudî Refugee Camp in Maxmur against the blockade, arrests, and embargoes imposed by the Iraqi government has entered its sixth day.
A delegation representing the camp population was detained on their way back after holding meetings in Baghdad on 14 May.
While Iraqi officials have not disclosed the reason for the detention to the public, the members of the delegation have still not been released.
Iraqi authorities had promised that the detained delegation would be released. However, after this promise was not kept, the people of Maxmur began a tent protest on 15 May in front of an Iraqi military checkpoint. The residents are protesting both the detentions and the blockade and embargo on the camp.
Now in its sixth day, the people of Maxmur continue to demand the release of their detained representatives and an end to the pressures on the camp.
Since 10 April, the Iraqi government has been enforcing a strict embargo on the Martyr Rustem Cudî Refugee Camp.
Construction materials, basic needs, and labor movement to cities have been blocked, and the residents’ identification documents are no longer being renewed.
Repression since 2019
17 July 2019: The KDP began imposing an embargo on Maxmur Camp at Turkey's request.
18 July 2019: Turkish warplanes bombed the camp, injuring two people.
27 January 2021: Iraqi forces attempted to surround the camp with fencing, but were met with resistance.
20 May 2023: Iraq again attempted to build ditches, fences, and towers; they withdrew after 16 days of resistance.
10 April 2025: The Iraqi government effectively blockaded the camp; the flow of goods, services, and labor was halted, and ID renewals were suspended.
30 April 2025: Camp residents organized a march and sit-in protest, calling for dialogue to find a solution.
14 May 2025: After a meeting with the Ministry of Justice in Baghdad, three members of the Maxmur People's Assembly delegation were detained on their return trip.
