Balen Jabar Ahmad – Activists
Freedom of thought and the acceptance of differing opinions are foundational pillars of any developed and civil society. In democratic nations, the presence of diverse viewpoints is not only tolerated but celebrated as a vital engine for societal progress. Conversely, in authoritarian regimes, dissenting views are often suppressed, leading to a culture of fear and repression. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the political monopoly of the two dominant parties—the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—has created an environment where divergent perspectives are neither welcomed nor tolerated, even within the internal ranks of these parties. Those who deviate from the dominant factional narrative, regardless of their affiliation, may face serious consequences, including intimidation, marginalization, or even death. The tragic case of Wista Hassan, a respected figure from Sulaimani, exemplifies this reality. Although affiliated with the PUK, his association with the dissenting faction led by Sheikh Lahur, who opposed Bafel Talabani’s leadership, ultimately made him a target. Wista Hassan was found murdered in his home under suspicious circumstances, and his family subsequently faced threats and repeated attacks. Later, his underage son was also killed—allegedly by forces affiliated with the PUK’s Commando Unit—and his elder brother was seriously injured the same day. Despite numerous appeals for justice, no one has been held accountable, and the family has continued to suffer harassment and attempted silencing. These events reflect the consequences of criminalizing difference in a society where political critique is met not with debate but with brutality. If freedom of thought remains taboo, and every differing voice is met with violence or legal paralysis, the Kurdistan Region risks descending further into autocracy, echoing the fates of figures such as Wista Hassan, Kawa Garmiyani, Sardasht Osman, and countless others. The struggle for justice must be collective, rooted in the recognition that no society can thrive under the shadow of imposed conformity and silenced truths.
