Precautionary measures in Kurdish cities

SULAIMANIYA / IraqiNews.com: Security forces have dispersed in Sulaimaniya and other smaller local administrative units in expectation of demonstrations on the first anniversary of the protests that demanded political reforms in Kurdistan. Informed sources here told IraqiNews.com that the dispersion was in anticipation of violent actions that may erupt in the city. The precautionary measures were taken following calls made on Facebook demanding the renewal of the demonstrations today, 17 February. The calls demanded the arrest and trial of those responsible for killing 8 demonstrators and two cops. Kurdish opposition, represented by Change Movement, the Islamic Federation and the Islamic Group, announced that their followers have no intention of demonstrating because the situation in the Kurdish region and Iraq as a whole is “critical and does not need any demonstration”. Opposition parties supporters believe that the government did not fulfill its reform promises. Security forces stressed that any demonstration should take the necessary approvals, otherwise it shall be banned. A number of Kurdish cities and towns witnessed protest demonstrations on 17 February last year demanding combat of corruption and political and social reforms. The demonstrations lasted for 62 days in Sulaimaniya with the participation of thousands of youths, intellectuals and civil activists, that led to 10 killings and tens of casualties. RM (TR)/SR 416