Five Forestry Police Officers Cleared of Charges in Hunter’s Killing in Zinana
Months of detention end
Five Forestry Police officers cleared of charges in hunter’s death in Sulaymaniyah’s Zinana
SULAYMANIYAH — Five forestry police officers accused of killing a hunter in the Zinana district of Kifri, located in Sulaymaniyah governorate, were acquitted and released today after spending nearly 10 months in detention.
In January, the body of a hunter was discovered in the Zinana area. Initial suspicions revolved around a possible ISIS attack or a conflict with forestry police.
“Our five officers were accused of killing the hunter, detained under court orders, and held accountable for months,” said Hashem Ali, spokesperson for the Garmian Forestry and Environmental Police, in a statement to 964media.
After months of investigation and legal proceedings, the court ruled the officers innocent, ordering their release. “Following their release, they have returned to their official duties,” Ali confirmed, adding that the officers had received half their salaries during their detention as per legal procedures.
The incident occurred on the night of Jan. 24, when six hunters were in the area for hunting. A confrontation led to gunfire, resulting in the hunter’s death and injuries to another individual. The circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear, contributing to the prolonged legal battle.
Ali further explained, “The events of that night were shrouded in confusion and speculation, leaving the case mired in complexity. With today’s verdict, the officers can now move forward, and their withheld dues will be restored.”
Hunting in the Kurdistan Region is generally prohibited, with forestry police actively patrolling to enforce the ban and arrest individuals engaged in hunting activities. The region’s authorities have implemented strict measures to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity, leading to increased patrols and enforcement actions by the forestry police. Individuals caught hunting face legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment, as part of the government’s efforts to curb illegal hunting practices.