KRG condemns violent protests in Sulaimani province

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The KRG is “concerned” about violent protests mainly in cities in Sulaimani and Halabja on Monday, saying that while the law permits peaceful protest they oppose those that cause “instability.”

“Peaceful and civil protests to demand rights within the law are a democratic activity and fully permitted,” read a statement from the KRG on Monday night, following a day of protests.

The current “difficult” situation of the Kurdistan Region, which is under various “threats” that endanger its very existence, requires the government to prevent the right to protest being used for other means.

“The manipulation of this right and the demands of the people to commit violence and cause damage to the properties of the people and destabilizing peace and security… that will not serve, nor profit anyone except the enemies of Kurdistan, is not acceptable at all,” the statement declared.

It instructed KRG institutions to protect lives and properties of the people using “civil and legal” procedures, prevent protests from being manipulated, and to bring to justice those who violate the law.

Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Sulaimani and Halabja provinces. Some of the protesters in the town of Piramagrun, northwest of Sulaimani, set on fire buildings of Kurdistan’s first five largest parties as well as at least three government buildings.

Protesters demand the government provide better basic services such as electricity, fight corruption, and pay the full salaries of state employees.

Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir called for calm and urged the people to take civil and peaceful means to make their “legitimate” demands heard.

Several people were wounded on Monday, the majority of whom are members of the riot police and the security forces, the governor said.