Bafel Talabani: Sulaymaniyah Has a Proud History of Democracy and Freedom of Expression
Peregraf
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani reaffirmed his party’s commitment to democracy and freedom of expression, describing Sulaymaniyah as a city with “a proud history” of defending these values.
Speaking during a public address, Talabani criticized ongoing wars and instability in the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza, and linked the suffering of Palestinians to the historic struggles of the Kurdish people.
“The Kurdish people have been victims of wars and discrimination for decades. We understand the meaning of war, displacement, and oppression,” Talabani said. “People here in this region are trying to always have hope. We must work together and convey the message of peace and brotherhood to the world. We must decide for ourselves and not just talk, we must have action.”
Talabani’s remarks come at a time of deep internal conflict, following the deadly August 22 Lalazar clashes in Sulaymaniyah between security forces and fighters loyal to his rival, Lahur Sheikh Jangi. The PUK has faced strong criticism for the use of heavy weapons during the operation, which turned a residential area into a battlefield.
Arrest Warrants and Alleged Assassination Plot
The Kurdistan Regional Security Agency (Sulaymaniyah Asayish), controlled by the PUK, on Wednesday announced arrest warrants for Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of the People’s Front, and Azhi Amin, former director of the Zanyari intelligence agency and current head of the Kurdistan Regional Security Council in Erbil.
The warrants accuse them of attempting to create chaos in Sulaymaniyah and plotting to assassinate Talabani. Two suspects were arrested after allegedly monitoring Talabani’s movements, and security forces said they were equipped with sniper rifles and suicide drones.
“Asayish investigations indicate the operation was supervised by Lahur Sheikh Jangi,” the agency said in its statement. It further accused Jangi and Amin of conspiring to destabilize Sulaymaniyah through violent attacks against political, security, and civilian officials.
A separate warrant was issued against Azhi Amin under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code, covering deliberate killing, and Article 56, which concerns conspiracies against state security. He is accused of involvement in the Lalazar battle, killing civilians, and attempting acts of terrorism.
Jangi Speaks from Detention
In his first public comments since being detained, Lahur Sheikh Jangi rejected reports of mistreatment in custody. Speaking to a visiting delegation from the Kurdistan Region’s Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRCR), he said he was in good health, housed in a private room, and allowed to contact his family.
“Since my transfer to the Asayish prison in Kani Goma, I have not been subjected to violence or torture, nor forced to confess,” Jangi said. He urged the Commission to monitor his case closely and ensure due legal process.
Jangi also said he had previously warned U.S., British, French, and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representatives about the risk of clashes.
The IHRCR delegation, led by Commission President Dr. Muna Yaqo, confirmed Jangi’s right to legal representation and said his access to lawyers would be resolved soon.
Lalazar Clashes Leave Five Dead
The developments stem from the violent August 22 confrontation at the Lalazar Hotel, where Jangi had been living and operating his political office. Security forces attempted to execute an arrest warrant against him, sparking hours of fighting with his loyalist “Scorpion Force.”
The clashes left five people dead, including three security members and two fighters from Jangi’s group, while dozens were injured and more than 160 arrested. Surrounding residential areas sustained heavy damage.
Jangi, a former PUK co-president who founded the People’s Front after his 2021 ouster, surrendered along with his brother Polad and senior aides after the standoff.