On June 26, 2025, security forces in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq conducted a coordinated and deeply concerning operation targeting members of the Raudty Halwest movement and wider segments of civil society in Sulaimaniyah. This operation resulted in the arrest of several prominent political figures, including Dr. Ghalib Mohammed, Dr. Rebwar Karim, and Mr. Ali Hamasalih, as well as multiple journalists affiliated with independent media outlets such as NRT, ZoomNews, and Payam TV. In addition, several teachers and civil activists—who were organizing a peaceful demonstration to demand long-overdue public sector salary payments—were also detained.
The crackdown, executed mere hours before the scheduled protest, constitutes a grave infringement upon the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. The Dakok Organization unequivocally condemns these arbitrary detentions as a deliberate and premeditated attempt to stifle civic engagement, silence independent journalism, and suppress legitimate public dissent.
Such actions not only violate constitutional and international human rights obligations but also reflect a broader authoritarian trend that undermines democratic governance and the dignity of the Kurdish people. The use of coercive force to preempt peaceful protest is antithetical to the values of transparency, accountability, and pluralism that should underpin any democratic society.
The Dakok Organization urgently calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained in connection with these events. We further appeal to local stakeholders, international human rights organizations, and the global community to speak out against this escalation and to support efforts to safeguard civic space and democratic freedoms in the Kurdistan Region.
