Popular protests on second day in Southern Kurdistan

The popular protests that started yesterday in Southern Kurdistan continue on the second day. The demonstrations are calling on the government to resign.

The Southern Kurdistani people’s protest against the government continues in the form of mass demonstrations. The demonstrations that started yesterday continue today. People have taken to the streets in many cities.

GERMIYAN

People have taken to the streets in Germiyan’s Kifrê town and closed Kifrê and Kelar roads for traffic. Citizens are protesting the government’s wrongful policies with the motto, “Reforms are not made through mafia or selling your lands”.

Protesters say, “We want our right, we want our jobs and our living. We will continue our demonstrations.”

SULAYMANIYAH

Thousands took to the streets in Sulaymaniyah yesterday and protested the government policies. Today since the morning hours the security forces and the police have closed off many areas, including the Marketplace and the Mewlewi Avenue, to prevent demonstrations. Hundreds of police officers have surrounded the areas where demonstrations were held yesterday.

Security forces have intervened in the demonstrations and three people have reportedly been wounded.

The wounded have been taken to nearby hospitals.

HEWLER

People have taken to the streets in Hewlêr’s Koyê district and Teqteq town from the morning hours as well. There are reports that the district governorate building in Koyê has been set on fire.

Protesters spoke to Rojnews and stated that they will continue with walkouts and demonstrations until the government resigns and living conditions improve, and added that the demonstrations will increase in the coming days.

Kameran Ehmed is a demonstrator from Koyê and said: “The government is going on a European cruise as the people suffer so badly. That is why our slogan until this government goes away will be ‘Government Resign’.”

STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT

Meanwhile, the Southern Kurdistan Regional Government issued a written statement on the demonstrations and stated that the people have a right to protest but it’s not right that government institutions are targeted.

The government’s statement failed to concretely address the expectations of the people.