Following outcry
Garmiyan authorities release captured Barbary falcon back into wild, pursue legal case against captors
GARMIYAN — Forestry Police in the Garmiyan Autonomous Administration released a Barbary Falcon on Sunday after it was captured last week, officials said, adding that legal action against those involved is ongoing.
Shwan Mohammed, director of Garmiyan Forestry Police, told 964media that the men “voluntarily handed over the bird to the forestry police,” saying they believed they had permission to capture it. “According to the guidelines of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Interior Ministry, capturing such birds is prohibited,” he said.
Mohammed added that the hunters came forward on their own and surrendered the falcon, and that their case “has been referred to the court for further legal proceedings.”
One of the men, Omed Majid, told 964media that the group had acted without malicious intent. “We have official identification from Baghdad and operate under the authority of the Iraqi Army. We captured the bird just for enjoyment in the Qaratepa and Jabara area,” he said, adding that “what is being said about the falcon being worth nearly $1 million is not true. Its value is only 1.5 million Iraqi dinars (around $1,070).”
The falcon, known locally as a shahin, was released back into the wild under the supervision of Garmiyan Forestry Police and environmental officials.
The incident sparked outcry after a viral video showed several men restraining the bird while one poured water over it, sparking condemnation from environmental groups and the Kurdistan Green Party. The party described the act as “a violation of wildlife protection laws” and demanded the hunters’ arrest.
Kurdistan Green Party head Malako Baziani told 964media earlier this month that “the falcon has exceptional ecological and symbolic value,” urging that it be returned safely to its habitat.
Under the Kurdistan Region’s 2008 Environmental Protection and Improvement Law, the hunting, killing, capturing, possession, or trading of endangered species is prohibited. Offenders face up to one month in prison and fines, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.
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