Sulaimani clashes part of efforts to uphold ‘rule of law’: Deputy PM

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani on Monday described the recent arrest of opposition figure and People’s Front (Baray Gal) leader Lahur Talabany in Sulaimani as part of broader efforts “to consolidate rule of law” in the Region’s eastern province.

The remarks were made during a meeting with Mohammed al-Hassan, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI).

In a statement posted on Facebook, Qubad Talabani - who is also a senior member of the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Sulaimani - said he discussed with the UN envoy “the necessity of upholding the rule of law and respecting [government] institutions.”

He noted that “the recent events in Sulaimani were part of efforts to consolidate the rule of law, implement court decisions and safeguard peace and security.”

The “events” referenced by Qubad Talabani point to the August 22 arrest of Lahur Talabany - a former co-chair of the PUK and Qubad Talabani’s cousin - who heads the Baray Gal opposition party.

In the early hours of August 22, a large number of security forces surrounded the Lalezar Hotel where Baray Gal is headquartered. A violent four-hour standoff ensued between Lahur Talabany’s armed loyalists and local security forces, ending in his arrest.

According to local security sources, the clashes left three security officers dead and 19 others injured. One of Lahur Talabany’s supporters was also reportedly killed.

While initially charged under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, Lahur Talabany now reportedly faces additional charges, including premeditated murder.

Last week, Sulaimani security forces released what they described as confessions from members of Lahur Talabany’s security team, alleging a plot to assassinate PUK leader Bafel Talabani.

Baray Gal swiftly rejected the allegations, calling the confessions “fabricated.” Prior to that, the party demanded that Lahur Talabany’s case be transferred from the Sulaimani Court to Baghdad, citing concerns over judicial impartiality.

As of the time of publication, UNAMI had not commented on al-Hassan’s meeting with Qubad Talabani.

However, last week, the UN mission censured the “disturbing footage” showing mistreatment of detainees in the aftermath of the August 22 clashes. It urged “respect for human rights and due process, including for those taken in custody during these events.”

In his Monday statement, Qubad Talabani addressed these concerns, stating he had clarified to the UNAMI chief that “the detainees are being dealt with according to the law” and that “their legal rights are protected.”

Sulaimani clashes part of efforts to uphold ‘rule of law’: Deputy PM

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