Amnesty International Calls for Accountability in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Strategic Insights -

The Kurdistan regional government in Iraq has faced mounting criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, over the use of force against anti-government protesters. The situation escalated after a 17-year-old boy, Serkho Mohammed, was killed during clashes between protesters and armed militia affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in the city of Sulaimaniya. A second protester died in hospital, and at least 30 others were injured. Amnesty International has urged the authorities to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amnesty International has called for the Kurdistan regional government to rein-in militias affiliated with political parties who killed two protestors, including a 17-year-old boy, Serkho Mohammed.
  • Security forces reportedly opened fire and used tear gas on protesters, and armed KDP militia have killed three people, including a 15-year-old boy, since protests began on February 17.
  • The protests have been calling for an end to corruption and reform, with a "day of rage" organized for February 25 across Iraq.
  • Amnesty International has urged the authorities to order an independent investigation into the killings and to bring those responsible to justice.
  • The KDP and another Kurdish party jointly rule Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and have been criticized for allowing armed militia to commit human rights abuses with impunity.
  • Since the protests started, several buildings of the opposition Goran (Change) party and the headquarters of a newly established TV and radio station have reportedly been set on fire.

Statistics:

  • At least 30 protesters were injured in the clashes with security forces and armed militia.
  • 2 protesters have been killed, including a 17-year-old boy, Serkho Mohammed.
  • 3 people, including a 15-year-old boy, have been killed by armed KDP militia since the protests began on February 17.
  • The protests have been calling for an end to corruption and reform.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International USA
  • Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa
  • New York Times (no specific date)