UNAMI Condemns Violence in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah, As 6 Protesters Killed

On Tuesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) condemned the acts of violence which accompanied public protests in Sulaymaniyah Governorate over recent days. The death toll from protests against northern Iraq's Kurdish authorities has risen to six dead.

The Mission extended its deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

In a statement, the UNAMI stressed that the Iraqis' protests must be protected and it is imperative that demonstrations remain peaceful, noting that investigations should commence immediately to identify the perpetrators of the violence and for these persons to be held fully accountable.

The Mission also called for calm and urged the Kurdistan Regional authorities to safeguard the freedoms of assembly and expression.

On Tuesday afternoon, at least three more protesters died in two other locations, local officials, medics and the Commission told AFP.

Protests over unpaid salaries spread on Tuesday to at least six towns near Sulaimaniya; angry crowds set ablaze political parties’ headquarters and local government buildings.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets in and around Sulaimaniya for several days, demanding their salaries be paid and criticizing the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which controls the Sulaimaniya area.