Security forces arrest protesters in Sulaymaniyah following rally over unregistered vehicles

SULAYMANIYAH — Security forces in Sulaymaniyah have arrested several protesters following clashes that erupted a day earlier during demonstrations by owners of unregistered vehicles. The arrests took place overnight as authorities launched investigations into violence that unfolded during the protest.

A security source told 964media, “Several protesters involved in acts of violence against police and civil activity forces during yesterday’s demonstrations have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for inciting chaos and violating public order.”

The protests began when unregistered vehicle owners blocked a major road in front of the governorate building. Tensions escalated when security forces intervened to reopen the road, resulting in stone-throwing, physical clashes, and warning shots fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

Authorities emphasized that arrests were made in accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 11 of 2010, which regulates protests in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The law prohibits unauthorized demonstrations and prescribes penalties, including imprisonment of up to one month or fines ranging between 50,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $33) and 500,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $331).

Security forces remain on high alert in key areas of Sulaymaniyah, and officials have called for calm while urging protesters to follow ‘legal channels’ for expressing their demands.

In support of their peers, owners of unregistered vehicles in Garmian independent administration staged a protest today in front of the Directorate of Traffic, demanding immediate solutions while expressing solidarity with similar protests held in Sulaymaniyah.

The protesters called on authorities to address their grievances and take action to resolve the legal status of their vehicles.

The issue of unregistered vehicles has been a long-standing concern in the Kurdistan Region, with an estimated 70,000 such vehicles concentrated in the governorates of Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. These cars are often smuggled, imported as scrap, and resold without proper registration or safety inspections. Authorities have repeatedly warned about the risks posed by these vehicles, including road safety hazards and complications in accident investigations.

On Dec. 2, 2024, the Supreme Security Committee of Sulaymaniyah announced a citywide ban on unregistered vehicles, stating, “No unregistered vehicle is allowed to operate within Sulaymaniyah city limits.” The government emphasized the need to restore legal order and ensure public safety.

The enforcement of this ban has triggered widespread protests. Vehicle owners argue they purchased their cars legally and accuse authorities of failing to honor election campaign promises to resolve the issue. Yesterday, a number of protesters gathered in front of the Sulaymaniyah Governorate building to voice their anger over the recent ban on unregistered vehicles. The demonstration quickly escalated as protesters blocked the main Sulaymaniyah-Kirkuk road, leading to a tense standoff with security forces.

Similar bans in Erbil and Duhok faced backlash, with Erbil authorities declaring on Nov. 24, 2024, that “Any driver violating this order will have their vehicle confiscated immediately.” The situation remains tense as authorities and protesters clash over the enforcement of the ban.