Statement by DAKOK Regarding Surveillance of Protesters at Iraqi Embassy in London

Dakok documents and reports with concern an incident of apparent surveillance conducted by individuals identified as staff of the Iraqi Embassy in London during a peaceful public demonstration.

The protest took place outside the Iraqi diplomatic mission and was organized by the Dakok Support Center under the Committee for Rights and Freedom. The purpose of the demonstration was to express opposition to officials associated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and to call for accountability in relation to the killing of journalist Sardasht Osman in Erbil in 2010.

During the demonstration, individuals believed to be affiliated with the Iraqi Embassy were observed systematically photographing and filming participants. Visual evidence recorded by attendees appears to show these individuals focusing on protesters, including capturing close-range images.

Dakok assesses this conduct as a matter of serious concern. The act of recording individuals engaged in peaceful political expression raises the risk that such material may be transferred to authorities in Iraq, including in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region (Erbil). In the context of documented patterns of reprisals against political dissent, such actions may contribute to the identification, monitoring, or targeting of individuals.

Dakok further notes that many participants in such demonstrations are members of the Kurdish diaspora, including individuals who may have fled persecution or who have outstanding protection claims. For these individuals, the possibility of being identified through embassy-linked surveillance can reasonably give rise to fear of consequences, including harassment, intimidation, or harm to themselves or their family members.

From a legal perspective, this incident is relevant to the assessment of risk upon return. Participation in political demonstrations abroad, combined with potential identification by state-linked actors, may increase an individual’s profile and exposure to adverse attention from authorities or affiliated groups.

Dakok therefore considers that:

• The filming and photographing of protesters by embassy-linked individuals constitutes a form of monitoring of political activity abroad.
• Such monitoring may have transnational implications, particularly where information is shared with authorities in the country of origin.
• Individuals who participate in such demonstrations may face an increased risk of persecution or serious harm if returned.

This statement is issued to assist in documenting patterns of conduct relevant to international protection claims, including asylum and human rights-based applications.

Dakok remains available to provide further clarification or supporting material where required.