Kurdish demonstrators gather in the city of Sulaymaniyah to protest against political corruption and to call on the regional government to resign, in Iraqi Kurdistan, December 18, 2017. (Photo by AFP)
People are taking to the streets in Southern Kurdistan and calling on the government to resign. KDP forces are opening fire on protesters.
Everywhere has turned into a scene of protest in Southern Kurdistan as people have taken to the streets in masses in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Seyidsadiq, Ranya, Qeladiz, Sengeser, Derbendîxan, Kelar, Teqteq and Chamchamal. People are calling on the government to resign due to ongoing problems such as non-provision of service to the people, non-payment of salaries and corruption.
HEWLÊR
Asayish forces of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) attacked the demonstrators with rifle butts and sticks in Hewlêr’s Rewandiz district. Several people were detained or injured as a result of the crackdown.
Demonstrators set the KDP office on fire in the town of Piremegrun in Sulaymaniyah’s Dukan district. Calling for the government’s resignation, people were attacked by the attacks of asayish (public security) forces in several areas. Thousands chant slogans in English, Kurdish and Arabic calling for “an end to 26-year reign”.
Large numbers of teachers, workers and citizens have gathered in Sera, Sulaymaniyah and marched to the KDP office on Salım Avenue in protest at the practices of the government.
Asayish forces blocked the demonstrators on Mewlewi Avenue and attacked them with tear gas and opened fire into the air in an effort to disperse the mass.
People gathered in front of the KDP office are calling on the KRG to resign, highlighting electricity, water and salary issues.
KDP OFFICES STONED
In Sulaymaniyah’s Seyiqsadiq district, demonstrations continue since early morning hours. Protestors stoned the KDP offices in the district, after which party members left offices and security units opened fire on the people, forming a line of guard around offices. Some citizens have been injured during the ensuing turmoil.
“OUR PROTESTS WILL CONTINUE”
In Sulaymaniyah’s Chamchamal district, people state that their protests against the government will continue until their demands are met. District Governor Remk Remezan called for common sense against acts of violence.
GERMIYAN
In Germiyan’s Kelar district, demonstrators led by teachers and public servants gathered at Leyla Qasim Park, stressing that the government is no more legitimate.
Arî Ezedîn said the following on behalf of the teachers; “As all segments of the society, we do no more accept these conditions Southern Kurdistan is under. This situation cannot be defended anymore, for which reason we decided to stage mass protests. We are here to end this reign which has no legitimacy left. We will defend the power of the people. People must make their decisions themselves.”
CRACKDOWN ON PEOPLE
As demonstrations continue, security forces are reportedly opening fire on protesters. Some people were reportedly injured as a result of KDP asayish’s attack in Rewandiz.