Outrage erupts after arrest of Kurdish political figure in Iraq

In northern Iraq, at least five people were killed and 18 wounded during clashes following the arrest of Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, a significant Kurdish political figure. The incident took place in the city of Sulaymaniyah, part of Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Security forces conducted an operation to detain Talabani under Iraq's counterterrorism law, accusing him of planning operations against the government and igniting chaos. Talabani, the nephew of the late Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, has a notable history in Kurdish politics and previously co-headed the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan before forming his own party, the People's Front, after a power struggle in 2021. The arrest incited anger among his supporters, resulting in violent confrontations with security forces, who reportedly utilized heavy weaponry in the raid. The unrest raised concerns over public safety in the densely populated area near the Lalazar Hotel, where Talabani was staying. Eyewitness accounts described intense fear among residents, with numerous civilians caught in the crossfire. Other members of Talabani’s party were also arrested during the operation, which has been labeled by political opponents as an internal coup. Questions about the detainees’ treatment following the raid have been raised, highlighting fears of potential human rights violations. This turmoil comes shortly after another high-profile arrest of opposition leader Shaswar Abdulwahid, further deepening political tensions within the region.