Human rights delegation visits Lahur Sheikh Jangi in prison

SULAYMANIYAH — A delegation from the Kurdistan Region’s Independent Commission for Human Rights visited Sulaymaniyah on Tuesday and met with People’s Front leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi at Kani Goma prison, following his arrest on Friday.

The clashes, which lasted about four hours in the Lalazar area, caused casualties on both sides and damaged nearby homes and vehicles. Security forces surrounded the Lalezar Hotel late Thursday before storming it and detaining Sheikh Jangi along with dozens of civilian and military associates.

According to the delegation, Sheikh Jangi said he is “in good health, has been placed in a private room with all necessary provisions, and has been able to speak with his family by video call.” He also told the commission he had not faced violence or torture since his transfer to Kani Goma and that “no forced confession was taken.”

Sheikh Jangi requested that his case be handled through legal procedures under commission oversight. He added that he had already informed representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Kurdistan Regional Government about the events of Aug. 22.

The commission said Sheikh Jangi should be granted the right to meet with his lawyers and that the issue should be resolved soon to allow such visits.

The delegation also visited a group of detainees identified as Sheikh Jangi’s supporters. It said 162 people are in custody, while security forces reported five dead from both sides. The commission said it will assist families still searching for missing relatives, describing the trip as the first official visit to Sheikh Jangi and his detained supporters since the clashes.

Sheikh Jangi, a cousin of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani, was co-leader of the PUK until his removal in 2022. His People’s Front secured two seats in the 2024 Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.