On May 25, 2025, in the city of Duhok, guards affiliated with Bangin Rikani, the Minister of Construction, physically assaulted a young protester who was peacefully criticizing the Iraqi Minister of Construction. The attack occurred during a public demonstration where the young individual was exercising their right to freedom of expression by openly criticizing government policies and demanding accountability.
Background: Political Context and Repression
Bangin Rikani, as the Minister of Construction and a prominent figure within the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), wields significant political influence. The incident took place amid growing public frustration over water shortages and poor management of water resources in Iraq, a critical issue affecting many communities.
This attack reflects a troubling pattern in the Kurdistan Region, where peaceful dissent and criticism of government officials are frequently met with intimidation, violence, and repression—actions that undermine democratic governance and human rights protections.
The Importance of Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression, including the right to criticize public officials and policies, is a fundamental human right protected under:
- Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media…” - Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
Protects the right to hold opinions without interference and the right to freedom of expression.
The violent assault on a peaceful protester constitutes a grave violation of these rights and reflects an abuse of power by state-linked actors.
Broader Human Rights Implications
The use of violence to silence peaceful criticism violates numerous international human rights standards. The United Nations Human Rights Council has underscored the responsibility of governments to protect peaceful protesters and ensure their right to free expression is respected.
The Kurdistan Regional Government, as part of Iraq’s sovereign framework, is legally bound to adhere to these principles and create an environment where citizens can freely express their views without fear of repression.
Statement by Dakok Organization for Rights and Freedom
On this day, May 25, 2025, Dakok for Rights and Freedom strongly condemns the violent attack carried out by guards affiliated with Minister Bangin Rikani against a peaceful young protester in Duhok.
This attack violates fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Iraq has ratified.
Using violence to suppress peaceful dissent is unacceptable and contradicts all democratic values and international human rights obligations.
We call on the Kurdistan Regional Government to:
- Conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack.
- Hold accountable those responsible for perpetrating violence against peaceful demonstrators.
- Ensure that citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fully respected and protected.
We urge the United Nations and the global human rights community to monitor the situation closely and pressure the authorities to respect and uphold these essential freedoms.
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