Conflicts caused by evil Bafel Talabani and PUK

[Anthea]

Senior PUK Leader Criticizes Talabani’s Sons

Amid Escalating Tensions

Mullah Bakhtiar, a prominent political figure in the Kurdistan Region, strongly criticized Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani on Thursday amid a growing rift within the PUK and a series of confrontations between rival factions

In response to the takeover of institutions associated with him, Bakhtiar condemned the Talabanis, accusing them of monopolizing the PUK's resources and lacking transparency in managing the party's revenue. "What Bafel and Qubad are doing against us will shake Mam Jalal [Jalal Talabani] from his grave. They have occupied all the businesses, and nobody knows where all this revenue goes," Bakhtiar said.

Bakhtiar expressed concerns over the declining popularity of the PUK under the current leadership, referencing several polls that show the PUK’s standing below other parties. "All polls say the PUK is below the PDK and some other lists. I have read three polls, and the results are a matter of great concern for the PUK and its history," he noted.

Positioning himself as a defender of the PUK's original values, Bakhtiar vowed to respond to any provocations with "an honorable and peaceful attitude" and to present an alternative vision for the party. "We are the real PUK because we are not corrupt. Therefore, we represent change. The glory of the PUK is not yours; it is ours. The history of the PUK is ours, not yours," Bakhtiar stated, addressing the Talabanis directly.

Reflecting on his concerns about the party’s trajectory, Bakhtiar said he had previously warned of the PUK's drift towards "familyism and tyranny" two years before the fourth congress. He criticized the current leadership for abandoning the party's core values and warned of the PUK's potential collapse. "I discussed with Kosrat Rasul that the PUK is on a dangerous edge. It cannot be protected by armed force. The PUK is heading towards collapse and the disappearance of all its ideological, political, social, and class differences with all political parties," Bakhtiar emphasized.

He also warned of potential repercussions if his residence or supporters were targeted, calling any attack "a clear violation of freedom and the peak of disloyalty in the political history of Kurdishness." He insisted that he remains committed to the values of Jalal Talabani and criticized the current leadership for betraying those principles.

"If such a crime is committed tomorrow, of course, I will not remain silent. I am not alone; there are hundreds of people. We will not be alone. Stop it," Bakhtiar declared, urging restraint among his followers while hinting at possible repercussions if provoked further.

Tensions escalated recently when PUK’s commando forces, reportedly acting on the orders of Bafel Talabani, seized Mullah Bakhtiar's properties, including his house in Khanaqin. Sources indicate that Bakhtiar has asked his supporters to remain calm as he prepares to take a firm stance on the situation. In response to these actions, many supporters from Khanaqin have traveled to Sulaymaniyah to express their solidarity with Bakhtiar.

The unfolding conflict within the PUK highlights deep divisions and could have significant implications for the party's future, as internal power struggles continue to shape the dynamics of Kurdish politics in the Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/859572

[Anthea]

Raid on Sulaymaniyah Cultural Centers

A recent raid on cultural institutions in Sulaymaniyah, including the Chawder and Galawezh Intellectual Centers, has drawn widespread condemnation from Kurdish intellectuals, political figures, and human rights organizations, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the use of security forces against cultural spaces

The raid, conducted on Thursday evening by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) commando forces, targeted the headquarters of prominent Kurdish politician and author Mullah Bakhtiar, seizing his belongings and materials belonging to the Centers.

Rahman Gharib, Coordinator of the Metro Center for Protection of Journalists and Freedom of Expression, condemned the operation as a violation of press freedom and intellectual dialogue in the city. "Metro Centre condemns raiding the institutions and cultural centers, which are organizations for promoting intellectual dialogue of the city," Gharib told Kurdistan 24.

Mullah Bakhtiar, a former senior leader in the PUK, criticized the current leadership, accusing them of orchestrating a pre-planned takeover of the party. "What Bafel and Qubad Talabani are doing against us will shake Mam Jalal from his grave," Bakhtiar stated, referencing the late PUK founder Jalal Talabani. He warned that the PUK was veering towards tyranny and losing its foundational values, adding, "I realized two years before the PUK's fourth congress that the party was moving towards familyism and the erosion of freedoms."

Faraidoon Abdulqadir, a political figure in the Kurdistan Region, echoed Bakhtiar's sentiments, describing the raid as a "hideous act" and accusing the current PUK leadership of silencing dissent within the party. He stressed the need for accountability and cautioned against potential negative consequences for the PUK in future parliamentary elections.

The Independent Human Rights Board also weighed in, stating that the use of security forces to raid cultural institutions is a clear violation of the principles of freedom and expression. They called for the protection of personal rights and property, urging all parties to adhere to legal processes and respect the rule of law.

The Galawezh Intellectual Center also issued a statement condemning the raid, highlighting its role in Sulaymaniyah’s cultural landscape and urging the literary and intellectual community to take a stand against any measures that threaten freedom of expression. "This act tarnishes the reputation of the cultural capital and disregards the history of intellectual and literary development in Sulaymaniyah,” the statement read, calling for a unified response from the city's artistic and intellectual circles.

The ongoing tensions within the PUK and the broader Kurdish political landscape underscore a deepening crisis over freedom of expression and internal party dynamics, with far-reaching implications for the Region's stability and governance.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/859607

[Anthea]

PUK Extradited KDPI Member to Iran

The Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) claimed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and its president handed over Behzad Khosravi, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDPI), to the Islamic Republic of Iran

The KRSC issued a statement regarding Khosravi’s extradition, asserting that the PUK is responsible for these actions.

“The PUK has handed over Behzad Khosravi, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), to the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Sulaymaniyah security forces under the order of the PUK president,” the KRSC statement added.

“The PUK has been managing government institutions in Sulaymaniyah as a party entity for some time. The official institutions of the Kurdistan Region are not responsible for the illegal actions of the PUK and its leader,” the statement noted.

The council emphasized that they are not responsible for the actions of the PUK forces and denied any involvement in such actions.

On Saturday, September 7, the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) accused the PUK security forces of extraditing Khosravi to Iran.

Khosravi, born in Saqqez in 1987, had been residing in Sulaymaniyah since 2014 and had submitted an asylum application to the UN. According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Khosravi was handed over to Iranian security agencies after being tortured.

On September 1, security forces in Sanandaj contacted Khosravi’s brother, who lives in Saqqez, informing him that Behzad had been detained in Sanandaj and would face trial.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/859845

[Anthea]

"The security services of the PUK are providing information about the sources of Turkish drones to kill PKK cadres and insurgents in Sulaimaniyah." Political activists believe that Behzad Khasrawi will not be the last person to be extradited, and that the Bafel Talabani Union will resort to all illegal and inhumane actions to stay in power and monopolize Sulaimani. They also point out that this election, if not rigged, will end with the PUK that Bafel Talabani assassinated or expelled the original PUK leaders and cadres in order to stay in power and seize power within his party.

[Anthea]

PKK Accuses PUK of Spying for Turkey

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has accused dozens of cadres from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of espionage on behalf of Turkey, further intensifying tensions between the two Kurdish factions

Kamal Hama Reza, the director of the PKK’s Chatr company and head of the group's media network in the Kurdistan Region, made the allegations during an interview with a Sulaymaniyah-based channel. Despite these claims, he emphasized that the PKK has no political disputes with the PUK.

“I am sure there are dozens of lines within the PUK working for agencies engaged in spy networks, which may not only spy on us but also on the PUK itself,” Reza said. He also noted, "There is no doubt about it. The entire crew is local, and the information is provided to the Turkish MIT."

The PKK’s accusations come as the PUK has consistently denied involvement in actions targeting PKK officials and fighters, while accusing other factions of aiding Turkey. Ankara, which considers the PKK a “terrorist organization”, has repeatedly claimed that the PUK maintains strong ties with the PKK, facilitating their activities in Sulaymaniyah and surrounding areas.

Ankara accuses the PUK of allowing the PKK to establish headquarters in Sulaymaniyah and providing military training for PKK members traveling from Western Kurdistan to the region, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency.

In addition, several political organizations in Sulaymaniyah, including the Freedom Movement, PJAK, the Kurdish Women’s Research Office, and the Academic Center, are said to be operating under the PKK’s influence, further complicating the political landscape in the area.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/860468

[Anthea]

Khosravi Tortured by PUK Before Extradition

Begard Khosravi, the sister of Bahzad Khosravi, stated in a video that her brother was handed over to Iran under torture by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) security forces

In the video, Begard Khosravi explained that her brother had been living in Sulaymaniyah for ten years, working in the city, and had no issues with any political parties.

“On the night of August 31, my brother was handed over to Iran, even though he had residency rights, and he was subjected to severe torture,” she added.

“Since then, videos featuring my brother Bahzad have been published periodically. I ask you to report these pages because the videos are false and have no factual basis,” Begard noted.

She made a plea to the UN and international organizations for help, stating: “My brother was extradited to Iran despite having asylum rights. Please help us save his life, as he is in grave danger.”

Bahzad Khosravi, born in Saqqez in 1987, had been residing in Sulaymaniyah since 2014 and had applied for asylum with the UN. According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, he was handed over to Iranian security forces after being tortured.

On September 1, security forces in Sanandaj contacted Bahzad’s brother, who lives in Saqqez, informing him that Bahzad had been detained in Sanandaj and would face trial.

Furthermore, following Khosravi’s extradition, the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) released a statement accusing the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) security forces of handing over one of its members to Iran.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/860559

[Anthea]

Terror Group Joins Kurdistan Elections

For the first time, a group designated on the US terror list will participate in the Kurdistan Region’s elections, raising concerns about the Region's political direction

The Babylon Movement, led by Rayan al-Kildani—who is sanctioned by the US for terror activities—has announced its involvement in the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, casting a shadow over the process.

According to the Babylon Militia Group's press office, Kildani met with Bafel Talabani, illegal leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), on September 21 in Dabashan. The meeting, aimed at securing the Babylon Movement’s participation in the KRG’s sixth parliamentary session, signals growing alliances between controversial figures and key Kurdish political parties.

Kildani later boasted on X (formerly Twitter) about his discussions with Talabani, emphasizing their shared commitment to the elections. However, Kildani’s involvement, along with his militia’s checkered history, has raised eyebrows in both local and international circles.

The Babylon Movement, tied to the Babylon Militia, seeks to bolster its political foothold in the Kurdistan Region. Kildani confirmed efforts to forge alliances with influential forces in the region. Talabani’s welcoming of Kildani, despite international concerns, has been noted as a strategic yet questionable move, given the group’s US terror listing.

In a concerning development, Talabani and Kildani reportedly reached an agreement to secure the last Christian parliamentary seat in the Sulaymaniyah constituency for the Babylon Movement. Kildani also met with Helen Akram Dankha, a former Christian candidate backed by the PUK, who withdrew her candidacy in support of Kildani’s group—a decision likely to further fuel political tensions.

The Babylon Movement’s participation comes after Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court decision in February 2024 to reduce the number of parliamentary seats in the Kurdistan Region to 100. Of these, five seats are reserved for minority communities, including Christians and Turkmen. The allocation of these seats, especially in Sulaymaniyah, has stirred controversy, with some decisions being made without PUK leadership input, deepening internal divisions.

The involvement of a US-listed terror group in the political process has raised concerns about the implications for the Region’s stability and its standing on the international stage.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/861190

[Anthea]

Activists Warn Sulaymaniyah Against

PUK’s Alliance with Iraqi Militias

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and its ILLEGAL leader, Bafel Talabani, have fully aligned themselves with the Iraqi militias that daily attack the interests of the United States and Israel, according to activists and political observers
They are calling on the people of Sulaymaniyah not to support the PUK and its allies, stressing that all regions of the Kurdistan Region must distance themselves from this conflict.

After the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in October last year, which led to the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the deaths of more than 41,000 people, the Israeli army opened a new front in southern Lebanon. Recent fighting, including military and intelligence operations, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, militias aligned with the Resistance Front have occasionally launched drone attacks on Israeli territory, prompting Israel to issue threats of retaliation.

“Iraq’s Shiite armed groups want Iraq to suffer like Lebanon,” Kurdish political activist Shwan Sadiq wrote on his Facebook page.

“The time for Iraq will definitely come. What’s important is that the people of Kurdistan, especially Sulaymaniyah, do not give Bafel and his allies the opportunity to involve Sulaymaniyah!” he added

Another Kurdish activist, Hakar Mazuri, told BasNews that the militias are only concerned with appeasing their masters, showing little regard for the fate of their own people, as evidenced by the situation in Gaza. The outcome was predictable.

“There are certainly some militia commanders who want to create the same situation in Iraq as in Lebanon, because what matters to them is that they thrive on the suffering of the people,” Mazuri noted.

“Unfortunately, the close relationship between the ruling minority within the PUK and the militia groups will not end well, and the people of Sulaymaniyah will suffer,” he explained

The Kurdish political activist urged the people of Sulaymaniyah not to allow the ruling minority to lead their city down the same path as Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Reactions from local activists have surfaced following news that the Babylon Movement, led by Rayan al-Kildani—sanctioned by the US for terror activities—has announced its involvement in the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, casting a shadow over the process.

According to the Babylon Militia Group’s press office, Kildani met with Bafel Talabani on September 21 in Dabashan. The meeting, aimed at securing the Babylon Movement’s participation in the KRG’s sixth parliamentary session, signals growing alliances between controversial figures and key Kurdish political parties.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/861420

[Anthea]

Will the connection between the not nice Gorran and the evil Bafel manage to destroy both the PUK and Gorran? Nothing good can come from the unity of 2 evils

Gorran internal conflicts

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Amid ongoing internal conflicts within the Gorran Movement, the party's leadership witnessed a significant change during a ceremony in Sulaimani on Saturday. Omar Said Ali, the outgoing leader, was honored as the movement officially transitioned leadership

At the same event, Dana Ahmad Majid was elected as the new general secretary, marking a new chapter for the party.

In a press conference following the ceremony, Gorran Movement spokesman Diler Abdulkhaliq addressed recent controversies surrounding access to the party's headquarters. "Whoever is responsible for closing the door of the main forum of the Gorran Movement to the friends of Nawshirwan Mustafa has made a wrong decision.

That place is a public venue and will never become private property," he stated. Abdulkhaliq emphasized that the movement values the service and vision of its late founder, Nawshirwan Mustafa, rather than focusing on property issues.

The Gorran Movement, established in 2009 by Nawshirwan Mustafa following a split from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), once enjoyed widespread support as a pro-reform opposition party.

However, its influence has steadily declined in recent years. Gorran is currently the third-largest party in the Kurdistan Region's Parliament, holding 12 of the 111 seats. In 2021, it formed an alliance with the PUK.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/37 ... -conflicts

[Anthea]

The PUK forcibly takes its forces in Kurdistan to Sulaymaniyah to provide a crowd for a speech by Bafel Talabani.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), under the orders of Bafel Talabani, will forcibly send all its military forces and limited forces from all regions of Kurdistan to Sulaymaniyah to create crowds so that Bafel Talabani can read a speech.

According to Bas News, at 4 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, September 29, 2024, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has decided to create a crowd in the center of Chawharbagh neighborhood in Sulaimaniyah so that Bafel Talabani can read a speech in it.

He learned that in addition to the fact that all the staff and committees of the PUK in all the provinces of the Kurdistan Region have been summoned to be in Malabak tomorrow، at the same time all the military and limited forces of the PUK have been pressured to create crowds.

According to the information of Bas News، the reason for taking the military forces and the limited forces of the Bafel Talabani Union is due to the fact that the supporters and the real PUK are not ready to go to the call of Bafel's PUK and create a crowd for the speeches and false claims of Bafel Talabani!

https://www.basnews.com/so/babat/861821

[Anthea]

After ordering the PUK pesmerga to fill the stadium

Evil Bafel Talabani launches election campaign in Sulaimani

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which won the second-most seats in the Kurdistan Region’s last parliamentary election, launched its campaign on Sunday with party leader Bafel Talabani promising to change the nature of the Region’s leadership.

Speaking from Sulaimani Stadium, Talabani reassured the attendees that “the PUK is one solid force with one voice." (UNTRUE)

The PUK has lacked unified leadership since the death of Jalal Talabani in 2017, and the health of senior party members has left a lack of political cohesion, according to Talabani.

He acknowledged that the party has had its struggles, but now the PUK is united, focusing his speech on challenging the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The KDP and PUK hold the most positions within the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Following years of wrangling over who would succeed the late Jalal Talabani, the former Iraqi president’s son, Bafel Talabani, and cousin Lahur Talabany were elected as the co-chairs of the PUK in February 2020.

Their internal issues surfaced in 2021, when Bafel Talabani changed the leadership of the party’s intelligence agency and counter-terrosim units, who were affiliated with Lahur Talabany, replacing them with people loyal to himself. Lahur Talabany was effectively ousted from power. He formed The People’s Front (Baray Gal) party in January.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/29092024

[Anthea]

The Iraqi Minister's account on the social network (X)، which regularly reveals detailed information about Iraqi militia groups، reveals in his latest post a scandal of Bafel Talabani's ability to become a member of the militias.

The Iraqi minister، who has a very influential page on the social network X and exposes the information and scandals of the Iraqi militias، attacks Bafel Talabani in a new post، writing: "Bafel Talabani has lunch with one militia in Jadriyah and in Baladiyat he eats dinner with another militia."

He said: "They are in the garden of the Messiah.

This post comes at a time when observers believe that Bafel Talabani has become a member of the militias and people like Rayan Chaldeans who are constantly opposing the Kurdistan Region.

[Anthea]

PUK candidate’s guards in shooting

Security forces (Asayish) said in a statement that a person was shot during a mourning ceremony at a mosque in Erbil on Monday by guards of a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) candidate

“(Shalaw Kosrat Rasul) visited the funeral without informing the family. They were told by the family who owns [hosted] the mourning ceremony to leave,” Erbil Asayish said in a Facebook statement.

Rasul is the PUK’s top candidate on its Erbil list for the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections on October 20.

The Asayish said that an argument ensued at the ceremony at Rashad Mufti Mosque, leading to Rasul’s guards opening fire and wounding a funeral attendee in the leg.

“Those people who opened fire and participated in this illegal act will be made to face the law,” the Asayish statement added.

A relative of the wounded individual told Rudaw’s Farhad Dolamari that one of Rasul’s guards opened fire and a bullet injured his cousin. The relative added that only Rasul’s guards had opened fire, noting he was seated behind Rasul at the mosque.

A video shared by Erbil’s Asayish shows damage to the mosque and bullet casings on the floor.

Karwan Gaznay, the spokesperson for the PUK list in this election, stated on party media that the family of the deceased, Tofiq Haji Hamaka, is affiliated with the PUK. Gaznay added that a guard of one of the funeral attendees made "inappropriate" remarks, and as Rasul was leaving, “[the guards] opened fire inside the mosque.”

Media affiliated with the KDP reported that the same funeral attendee had animosity with Rasul’s family.

In a video posted on Rasul’s social media, he walks into the mourning ceremony and is greeted by the hosts. Rasul has not addressed the incident in the post.

Leaders in the Kurdistan Region have encouraged the campaigning period to avoid violence. Campaigning began on Wednesday and continues until October 15.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/300920241

PUK has deteriorated since the evil Bafel replaced all those who were good, well loved and respected, with his own band of criminals

[Anthea]

A political activist said that Bafel Talabani and his alliance with Rayan Kildani, whose name is on the U.S. terror list, are being played for regional interests by other dominant forces and parties in Iraq and other countries, adding: "Soleimani has become part of the Iraqi resistance front thanks to this game and is expected to ignite the Israeli-Iranian war."

Aram Ikram, a journalist and political activist, told Bas News that Bafel Talabani and his alliance with Rayan Kildani, whose name is on the U.S. terror list, are being played for regional interests by other dominant forces in Iraq and other countries, adding: "Soleimani has become part of the Iraqi resistance front thanks to this game and is expected to win the Israeli-Iranian war."

The activist also pointed out that the candidate of Rayan Chaldani، who is based in Sulaimaniyah، is part of this project and through them they are trying to isolate Sulaymaniyah from the Kurdistan Region.

This candidate is not a candidate of Sulaimaniyah at all as the candidate of the hegemony that dominates the PUK and the Chaldeans and other parties in Sulaimaniyah.

He said: If the votes of other people are not gathered for this candidate، then the candidate of Chaldan will not succeed at all، and if he succeeds، he will definitely believe in it

He does not have the rights of the people of Kurdistan and he does not believe in the Kurdistan Region's parliament and institutions، and he may work against the Kurdistan Parliament، because such a candidate is completely against the federalism of the Kurdistan Region، and this is part of the treacherous agreement of October 16، to weaken the political position of the Kurdistan Region.

It is important for the people of Kurdistan to vote consciously and know this

[Anthea]

Bafel has a mental illness and is urgently in need

of mental health treatment

"Before the election and Bafel manages to cause any more harm, Qubad should send his brother to the Royal Hospital in London."

A writer and researcher says that Qubad Talabani's mission is to send his brother Bafel back to the UK to receive treatment at the Tower Hamlets Psychiatric Hospital. He added: If you can't do that، you have to ask for help.

Writer and researcher Dlovan Ali told Bas News that it is clear that Bafel Talabani needs psychological treatment because his movements on stage are more like those of rappers and pop artists who gather people on the streets of Texas.

He added: "The shelter of the terrorists who have been officially recognized as such by the United States، the welcoming of militants and supporters of the PKK، and the restoration of the headquarters of the banned militias for the election campaign by the PUK will result in the Lebanese and Damascus of Sulaymaniyah."

"The result of Bafel's juvenile and depraved policies is just destructive to people, and that's part of the behaviour of sick people, who need to get treatment before they disrupt society," he said.

The analyst also pointed out that the only way for the people of Sulaimaniyah to get rid of the situation they are in is the elections of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)، which on the one hand will protect Sulaymaniyah، and on the other hand the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) headed by Masrour Barzani in the tenth cabinet will be similar to the cities of Erbil and Duhok.

It will help the people of the country to continue their rights.