Illegal trial of Lahur Sheikh Jangi should be Bafel Talabani

[Anthea]

Concerns over trial of opposition
politicians in Sulaimani

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Thursday highlighted the importance of addressing legal issues raised regarding two prominent opposition politicians by Sulaimani security forces

“UNAMI has been closely following the judicial proceedings against Mr. Shaswar Abdulwahid and Mr. Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his colleagues in Sulaymaniyah. UNAMI has received reports that raise concerns regarding due process and the protection of fundamental rights in these proceedings. I,” Frank Revuelto-Lanao, Head of UNAMI's Regional office in Erbil, said at an event in Erbil.

“It is important to ensure that these concerns are addressed to uphold the principles of justice and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system,” he added.

Abdulwahid, leader of the Kurdistan Region’s main opposition New Generation Movement (NGM), was arrested by Sulaimani security forces in mid-August, following a judicial decree dated August 3 that revealed the NGM leader had been sentenced in absentia to six months in prison under Article 431 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which pertains to making serious threats against others, their property, or their reputation. However, the court later reduced the term to five months.

Lahur Talabany, the head of Baray Gal party (People's Front), is a former co-president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). He was arrested in late August following a violent standoff between his armed loyalists and security personnel. Sulaimani security forces (Asayish) then released what they said were confessions from a group linked to Talabany, detailing a plot to assassinate PUK leader Bafel Talabani. Baray Gal has denied the accusations.

The UNAMI official was speaking at a forum organized by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Office of the Coordinator for International Advocacy (OCIA) after it published a report on the government's efforts and activities, presenting statistics in various fields, including human rights.

The report highlighted the KRG's most prominent practical steps in implementing the national comprehensive plan for human rights.

"The Kurdistan Regional Government's plan for human rights is a comprehensive effort within its governance framework to advance the implementation rate of recommendations and compliance with international conventions,” said the report.

Revuelto-Lanao said the KRG has provided its commitment to improve human rights.

“In its resolve to protect human rights, the Kurdistan Regional Government has demonstrated its commitment to take legislative and policy measures to advance human rights and institutionalize protection which also remain on the agenda of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament,” he said.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/231020252