A group of journalists, politicians, activists, intellectuals, and academics issued a joint statement on the recent developments in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The statement by nearly 50 people criticized the latest incidents in Sulaymaniyah, where clashes erupted between internal security forces and Lahur Sheikh Jangi’s forces early Friday morning. As a result of the confrontation, which lasted four hours, three people were killed and 19 others wounded, while Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his brothers Aso and Polad were taken into custody.
The statement pointed out that the Lalezar Hotel incident and the deployment of tanks, armored vehicles, and heavy weapons to the city center brought back painful memories of past experiences.
“In this country, weapons still prevail and there is no intention to resolve issues,” said the statement, noting that the militarization of cities, the disregard for judicial authority, and the suppression of dissenting voices threaten democratic rights.
“These steps pave the way for repression and political corruption. Salaries are not being paid, and the people are condemned to poverty and despair in Baghdad. The two parties in power must ask themselves: What will they do next?,” the statement underlined.
The statement said that no dispute can be resolved with weapons in the center of cities, which are expressions of diversity and coexistence.
“The city is not the property of a single party or family, but of all citizens,” said the statement, stressing that political issues cannot be resolved by the decisions of parties or armed forces, nor can they be used as a justification for closing media outlets.
“The weapons provided by the coalition forces to the KDP and PUK for the fight against ISIS should not be used against each other in cities. This would destroy political and social relations and undermine trust,” the statement concluded.
Source: ANF News
