Sulaymaniyah Strikers Suspend Hunger Strike on 15th Day, Vow to Continue Their Struggle

Peregraf 

After 15 days of hunger strike, the striking teachers and public employees in Sulaymaniyah have decided to suspend their strike, citing public appeals and mounting pressure from demonstrators. They emphasized, however, that their struggle is far from over and that they will explore alternative means to achieve their demands.

The decision came following a large-scale show of support from the public. Earlier today, at 11:00 AM, shops and markets in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja shut down for an hour in solidarity with the strikers. Later, at 2:00 PM, a massive rally gathered in front of the strikers’ tents, drawing participation from writers, religious scholars, activists, and ordinary citizens. The demonstrators urged the hunger strikers to prioritize their health and end their strike.

After a discussion inside their tents, the hunger strikers emerged to announce the suspension of their protest in front of the media and the gathered crowd.

Following the announcement, all strikers were immediately transferred to the Shar hospital for urgent medical care. The spokesman for the strikers’ camp acknowledged the severe impact of the prolonged hunger strike on their health, stating that even those in stable condition would require at least five to ten days to return to normal eating habits.

Dr. Goran Mohidin, head of the medical team assigned to treat the strikers, confirmed that a specialized team—including internal medicine doctors, nutritionists, and nurses—had been formed to provide medical assistance. “Initial treatment has already begun, and after thorough medical examinations, each striker will receive individualized care based on their condition,” he said.

The hunger strike began on January 28, 2025, when 13 teachers and government employees set up tents in front of the UN office in Sulaymaniyah to demand their financial rights. Their key demands included:

• Depositing salaries in federal banks through Iraqi government initiative known as "Tawteen"

• Resumption of salary promotions

• Payment of December 2024 salaries

• Timely disbursement of salaries every 30 days

Although the hunger strike has been suspended, the strikers and their supporters remain determined to continue their struggle through other means until their demands are met.