SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Sulaimani High Security Committee warned that disrupting security situation in the province is a “red line”, vowing to arrest people who organize or participate in “unauthorized protests”.
Dozens of people took to the streets in Sulaimani city on Friday in protest of salary delays in the Kurdistan Region. Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered near Sulaimani province council.
A group of protesters damaged building of the Directorate of Roads in Sulaimani city after they threw stones at the building. A number of protesters were detained during the demonstrations.
Anti-government protests also continued in Halabja and Ranya on Friday.
The High Security Committee in Sulaimani province said in a statement late on Friday that those who halt movement and business of people due to “unauthorized protests” would pay a “heavy price”.
“The security committee reiterates that disrupting the security situation in general, and specifically in beloved Sulaimani city, is a red line,” it said.
“The security forces were given new plans and measures to return tranquility” to the province, the committee added.
“The arrest campaign will continue for those who violate law, play a role in the continuity of the unauthorized protests and harm public property.”
The anti-government protests began last week in cities and towns in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja as well as the administrations of Garmian and Raparin.
Around 10 people including protesters and members of the security forces were killed and more than 100 others were wounded in the protests. Angry protesters set fire to headquarters of several political parties and government offices.
