'We hope the government listens'

Activists protest in Sulaymaniyah’s Said Sadiq over lack of public services

SAID SADIQ — A group of activists in the Said Sadiq district of Sulaymaniyah staged a protest Thursday in front of the municipal building, demanding improved public services.

The demonstration followed several days of appeals for official permission, which is required to hold protests in the Kurdistan Region.

“We have called for paying attention to our district, and providing the essential services,” protest organizer Zana Ali told 964media. “Shortcomings are evident across all sectors, including education, healthcare, and municipal services.”

Ali stressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations, saying, “People must demand their rights calmly and in an organized manner, avoiding any disruptions that could lead to the destruction of public property, harm the environment, or worsen living conditions. We hope the government listens to us.”

Local resident Kara Mohammed voiced frustration over conditions in the district. “For the past 20 years, our city has lacked services. At the very least, there should have been some beautification efforts. But even the existing public parks remain neglected, and there’s no effort to improve the city’s appearance or create job opportunities,” he said.

The protest ended with participants calling on authorities to prioritize service delivery and infrastructure improvements in the district.