SLEMANI — The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) faction in the Iraqi Parliament on Tuesday expressed concern over recent developments in Khanaqin and Kurdish areas of Diyala, calling for the release of detainees and the cancellation of arrest warrants issued against politicians, activists and young people.
In a statement, the parliamentary faction said it was closely monitoring the situation and stressed that the authorities should address the developments in accordance with Iraq’s permanent Constitution and applicable laws.
“Civil and peaceful activity is a guaranteed constitutional right, especially when it comes to implementing the Constitution and Article 140,” the statement said.
The faction called on authorities to handle the situation without resorting to force or arrests, citing the “sensitivity and unique nature” of Khanaqin and surrounding areas.
It also demanded the immediate release of those detained and the cancellation of all arrest warrants issued against politicians, activists and youth in connection with the developments.
The PUK lawmakers further called for the annulment of what they described as demographic changes and administrative measures affecting the area, including the conversion of Jabara and Qaratappa into districts and the removal of the Saadiya and Qaratappa sub-districts.
“All procedures that violate the Constitution must be stopped,” the statement said, emphasizing that the status of the disputed territories should be addressed within the framework of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution.
The faction also addressed residents of Khanaqin and Kurdish areas of Diyala, acknowledging the pressures and challenges facing the region and urging them to pursue their demands through peaceful and legal means.
“We ask you to defend your rights calmly and in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” the statement said, assuring residents that the PUK parliamentary faction would support them as their “constitutional and legal advocates.”
The statement comes a day after a broad public demonstration was scheduled in Khanaqin to protest alleged demographic changes and what organizers described as the neglect of Article 140.
The demonstration’s organizing committee said the activity had been suspended and postponed, rather than canceled, leaving open the possibility of renewed protests at a later date.
