Regional and international leaders urge restraint after arrest of Lahur Sheikh Jangi in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH — Regional, federal, and international officials on Friday urged calm and legal solutions after the arrest of People’s Front leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi and overnight clashes in Sulaymaniyah that left several dead.

The Kurdistan Region Presidency called for “the rule of law” and resolving disputes “away from violence,” while KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that the unrest “targets the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.”

Security forces surrounded the Lalazar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah late Thursday before storming the building after several hours of clashes. Lahur Sheikh Jangi, his brother Polat, who was wounded during the raid, and scores of civilian and military associates were detained.

Iraq’s Presidency stressed “restraint” and adherence to “legal and judicial procedures,” and the spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces said law enforcement must be carried out with “neutrality and full transparency.”

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said it was “closely monitoring” events and opposed “any violence that threatens public safety.”

The British Consulate-General in Erbil urged “due process” and “fair justice,” while the United Nations mission in Iraq called on all sides to “respect human rights” and ensure an “impartial judicial process.”

The Kurdistan Islamic Union described the incident as “undesirable and painful” and appealed for disputes to be resolved “through law and justice.”

Lahur Sheikh Jangi is a cousin of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani, was co-leader of the PUK until his removal by Talabani in 2022.

The People’s Front secured two seats in the 2024 Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.

The Kurdistan Region Presidency: 

Following this morning’s regrettable incident in Sulaymaniyah, which unfortunately claimed a number of victims, we stress the rule of law, the protection of the city’s security and stability, and the safeguarding of citizens’ lives and property. All problems and disputes must be resolved through law and away from violence.

Meanwhile, we extend our condolences to the families and relatives of all the victims and express our solidarity with them. We also wish a swift recovery for the injured.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani: 

These tensions and clashes happening in Sulaymaniyah target the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, all sides must exercise restraint and immediately end the confrontations. The youth of this country must not be made victims. Any disputes or problems must be resolved through legal means. I will work with all parties to put an end to these tensions and prevent bloodshed and violence.

Presidency of the Republic of Iraq:

The Presidency of the Republic has followed with concern the unfortunate events that took place in the city of Sulaymaniyah, which resulted in the martyrdom of a number of members of the security forces in the city and the injury of others.

We stress the need for restraint and adherence to legal and judicial procedures in accordance with the Constitution, away from violence, in a way that strengthens the principles of justice and preserves the security and stability of citizens.

The Presidency of the Republic also extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and injured. May God protect Sulaymaniyah, its people, and all Iraqis from all harm and misfortune.

Sabah Al-Numan, spokesman for the Iraq’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces:

Following the unfortunate events that took place in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, the federal government stresses the necessity for the competent authorities to take legal and judicial measures in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and in line with the principles of justice and the rule of law.

While emphasizing the importance of implementing these measures with complete neutrality and full transparency, away from any armed manifestations or attempts to intimidate citizens, it affirms that the enforcement of the law must be carried out in a manner that guarantees the preservation of human dignity and the protection of rights.

The federal government, through its constitutional and security institutions, also affirms that preserving the security of citizens in the [Kurdistan] Region and throughout Iraqi governorates is a national and moral duty, and that it will spare no effort to prevent strife, strengthen civil peace, and consolidate stability. The interests of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, the security and safety of its people, and the security of the Region and Iraq as a whole remain above all considerations.

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad:

The U.S. Mission to Iraq is closely monitoring the situation in Sulaymaniyah.  We oppose any violence that threatens public safety and stability and urge all parties to show restraint.

British Consulate-General in Erbil:

We are concerned by the loss of life in Sulaymaniyah last night. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured.

The UK urges the relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed, including applying principles of transparent and fair justice.

We continue to follow the situation closely.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq:

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expresses its concern over the ongoing developments in Sulaymaniyah Governorate and regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent clashes.

UNAMI calls on all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from any actions that could endanger the lives of civilians, respect human rights, and ensure a fair and impartial judicial process in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

The Kurdistan Islamic Union Secretary-General, Salahaddin Bahaaddin:

Unfortunately, last night in Sulaymaniyah we witnessed an undesirable and painful incident. At a time when citizens are awaiting salaries and a stable livelihood, and our nation is facing many challenges, how is it acceptable to add insecurity to it and blood from our nation be shed? We express regret and concern over this situation and call for recourse to law and justice to resolve disputes.