'Increasingly dangerous conditions'

Kirkuk lawyers demand right to carry weapons after assaults spark fear in legal community

KIRKUK — An attack on two lawyers in Kirkuk late Saturday night has reignited calls for legal professionals to be allowed to carry weapons for self-defense. The incident occurred on Quds Street, where the lawyers were assaulted by armed individuals, according to the Iraqi Lawyers Syndicate.

Muhammad Aladdin, head of the Kirkuk branch of the syndicate, described the attack as an overreaction to a minor issue. “We visited the site of the incident and found that it was a very minor issue, not worth escalating. However, the other party, unfortunately, was armed and acted aggressively, threatening and assaulting two of our lawyers outside their office,” Aladdin told 964media.

He called on the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to take immediate action. “We urge the Minister of Interior to expedite permits for lawyers to carry weapons, as we are working under increasingly dangerous conditions,” he said.

Kirkuk Police confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect had been arrested. “The individual responsible for the assault has been apprehended, and an investigation is underway,” police said in a statement.

This attack follows a series of similar incidents reported in Kirkuk last year, including threats, damage to homes, and vandalism of vehicles belonging to lawyers. The latest assault has amplified calls for improved protection measures for legal professionals, who often face risks while performing their duties.

In Iraq, firearm ownership is regulated by laws that allow citizens to possess certain weapons, such as pistols, Kalashnikovs, and hunting rifles, under specific conditions. According to the Ministry of Interior, citizens must obtain official authorization and register their firearms with the authorities.

In recent months, there has been a concerning increase in attacks targeting lawyers across Iraq. In August 2024, attorney Ahmad Abbas Kazem Al-Asadi was found dead in his office near the Kadhimiya Investigative Court in Baghdad. Preliminary investigations indicated that unidentified assailants had entered his office and fatally shot him.

The following month, lawyer Haider Sahi was assassinated near the Al-Haydariya Courthouse north of Najaf. The assailant, reportedly on a motorcycle, carried out the attack in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. Najaf Police Chief Alaa Al-Fatlawi confirmed the arrest of several suspects, suggesting that the motive was related to legal disputes involving Sahi.