ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), on Sunday accused an "unlawful militia" of attacking Kurdish security forces in Sulaimani. His comments mark the first official statement since the deadly clashes that involved armed loyalists of opposition figure Lahur Talabany and culminated in Lahur’s arrest on August 22.
In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Bafel Talabani stated, “An unlawful militia group, acting outside the law, militarised residential areas and attacked the official security forces while exercising their duty to protect the lives of our citizens and preserve stability.
“Such actions endangered innocent people and undermined the institutions that safeguard our society,” he added, firmly declaring, “I must be clear: no individual or militia is above the law.”
In the early morning hours of August 22, a large number of security forces surrounded the Lalezar Hotel, a headquarters of the Lahur Talabany-led People’s Front (Baray Gal). Following a violent standoff that lasted four hours, between Lahur Talabany’s armed loyalists and local security forces, the opposition figure was arrested.
According to local security sources, the clashes resulted in the deaths of three security officers and injuries to 19 others. One of Lahur Talabany’s supporters was also reportedly killed. Initially charged under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, he now reportedly faces additional charges, including premeditated murder.
In a veiled reference to the legal proceedings against Lahur Talabany, PUK leader Bafel Talabani said on Sunday that “the fate of those who choose to jeopardise the security and stability… must be decided only by the legal and democratic process.” He further urged the judiciary to “carry out their duties in accordance with the law, with fairness and transparency.”
Notably, while Lahur Talabany’s case is currently being handled by the Sulaimani Court, his political party has urged that it be transferred to Baghdad. “The courts [in Sulaimani] follow orders from leaders of political parties,” claimed Shadman Mala Hassan, a senior member of Baray Gal, in an interview with Rudaw following Lahur Talabany’s arrest.
Earlier this week, Sulaimani security forces released what they described as confessions from members of Lahur Talabany’s security team, alleging a plot to assassinate the PUK leader, Bafel Talabani. Baray Gal swiftly rejected the confessions as “fabricated.”
The PUK leader also criticized rival media outlets, accusing them of “too often deepening confusion rather than providing clarity.” Bafel Talabani stated that he has instructed his party’s media affiliates to refrain from engaging in “exchanges that amplify baseless claims from other outlets,” urging them to instead “present facts responsibly and preserve public trust.”
