Kurdish ‘day of rage’ condemned

by Ruwayda Mustafah Rabar

‘Protests should be done by people who know how to do them’ said a close colleague of mine in regards to recent Kurdish protests, which took place in Sulemani. She said ‘Kurds just don’t know how to protest peacefully, they’re too backward’. But is that really true? Are we incapable of self-expression because we are Middle Easterners?

Far from being backward, the recent protests were done out of solidarity with the brave heroes of the Middle east, namely Egypt and Tunisia. A few hours of violence erupted after the solidarity conference was held, where calls for reform in Kurdistan were echoed. It is unclear why a few protesters targeted KDP headquarters, and why security forces responded with live fire to disperse protesters, which injured 54 people, and killed one. But this should not be a basis for condemnation of peaceful protests organized in Kurdistan.

Protesting is a Human right, and people should be free to signal their dissatisfaction with any system. Their demands must be addressed, regardless of whether they are reasonable demands or not. Those who have condemned recent protests by calling it ‘backward’ and ‘irresponsible’ have forgotten that if this were 10 years ago, the protesters would have been massacred silently.

Although unpleasant scenes from the protests were recorded, but it seems Kurdistan is reaching a stage where the public can directly voices their concerns, criticisms and dissatisfaction with the current government without being prosecuted.

Today, a second protest was held where academics, youth and ordinary people demanded reforms in Sulemani. Amongst protesters some challenged the lack of jobs for graduates, and transparency within the Government.

Prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein, Kurdistan was plagued by civil unrest and fighting between opposition parties. The reason why people are extremely worried and troubled by recent protests is primarily because no one wants to see civil unrest, or fighting as we have seen historically. People want stability, peace and cohesion within society.

There is a fear that if people protest, speak out and demand reforms there will be chaos and violence will erupt. However, this might be a pessimistic view of recent events. For the first time people have spoken out without fear of prosecution, despite the unfortunate response yesterday, and today by security forces.

People were dispersed with water canons, and live ammunition which is unacceptable. Peaceful protests must continue, and people should not be condemned for voicing their opinions, regardless if we do not agree with them. What should be condemned and stopped is all forms of violence against protesters and public property.