Gmo – Activists
Recently, a civilian was attacked by more than twenty-five individuals dressed in civilian clothing near a police station in Duhok. The victim later appeared on television, recounting the attack and explaining that the assailants included security guards and high-ranking officials from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). According to the victim, the assault included violent physical attacks that left lasting bodily harm. Unfortunately, this incident, involving both physical violence and subsequent cover-ups, appears to be a reflection of the culture of impunity within the leadership and ruling factions of the Kurdistan Region.
In both areas under the control of these political factions, there has been a significant presence of militia groups, which have consistently engaged in violent acts against civilians, inflicting bodily harm and spreading fear.
According to my investigations, the responsible official in the KDP is someone with deep ties to the violent practices of past authoritarian regimes, particularly the Ba’athist era, and continues to have a hand in the targeting and displacement of Kurds. These actions are now facilitated by a government that continues to act as a proxy for Iraqi state interests. In the culture of both Kurdish political parties, those in positions of power, especially those with familial ties to the ruling elite, are granted extensive authority, regardless of their past histories or actions.
