Kirkuk Kiosk Owners Protest Demolitions, Call for Investigation
'We demand a solution'
Kirkuk kiosk owners protest demolition orders that cited contract ‘violations’
KIRKUK — Dozens of kiosk owners on Baghdad Road in Kirkuk staged a protest Wednesday against a district administration decision to demolish their businesses, asserting that their legal status was in order. Local authorities, however, justified the action by citing contract violations.
Ahmed Ramzi, a member of the governorate council, told 964media, “We will form an investigative committee to look into the matter.” He added, “I believe certain parties want to take over these locations in exchange for money.”
Ramzi also highlighted a lack of coordination among government departments, stating, “We noticed that the demolitions took place just one day after kiosk owners had paid their dues.” He emphasized, “This issue requires an impartial investigation to find a solution for them.”
Hassan Jawad, a kiosk owner, expressed his frustration to 964media, saying, “We were shocked by the demolition of our kiosks and the loss of our livelihoods. We had completed all legal procedures with the relevant authorities and paid our dues, yet our businesses were still torn down.” He continued, “This has cut off the income of nearly 100 people who work at seven kiosks along the road. We demand a solution and intervention from the relevant authorities.”
Another kiosk owner, Salman Issam, also voiced his concerns, telling 964media, “Just one day before the demolition, I paid 2 million dinars ($1,333) to the contracting authorities.” He added, “We paid what was required, yet our kiosks were demolished without prior notice. We demand compensation and an explanation for why our businesses were targeted while other areas were left untouched.”
A source from the Kirkuk municipality, speaking to 964media on condition of anonymity, defended the demolition order, stating it was initiated at the request of the public prosecutor due to multiple contract violations. According to the source, the violations included encroachments on water networks, damage to public gardens, and the installation of fixed structures despite regulations requiring kiosks to remain mobile.
“Other violations were also uncovered,” the source added.