KDP asayish attacked the people protesting the visit of Barzani in Sulaimani, and detained 10 people, including a journalist. Alone for the rally in Sulaimani, large numbers of people have been brought by buses from Hewlêr and Duhok.
KDP leader Masoud Barzani visited Sulaimani earlier today, and met with Iraqi President Fuad Masum. A meeting was held in the home of PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) First Assistant of Secretary General Kosret Resûl Elî, also participated by PUK Politburo member Hêro Îbrahîm Ehmed and other PUK officials.
MANY DEMONSTRATORS DETAINED
Prior to Barzani's arrival in Sulaimani intense security measures were taken and many demonstrations were held in central locations like Saholaka and Salim avenues.
Asayish forces intervened the demonstrations and detained at least 10 people for protesting the visit of Barzani who had not been to Sulaimani for a long while and argued recently that "terroristic thoughts thrive” in the city.
OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST THE OPPOSITION PRESS
Rojnews agency cameraman Mihemed Welî was taken into custody alongside some demonstrators yet before the rally began, while NRT TV reporters among many opposition press members faced obstructions by the asayish forces as they covered Barzani’s visit.
MASSES TRANSPORTED TO THE RALLY
On the other hand, footage from the area shows large numbers of people being transported in buses from cities as Duhok and Hewlêr to Sulaimani for participation in the rally.
