PUK President: Actions of Unlawful Militia’s Must not Be Allowed to Overshadow the Will of Our People

PUK President's Media

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), published a message regarding the Lalezar incident in Sulaymaniyah and the operation of upholding the rule of law by the Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish), where he reaffirmed that no militia group is above the law.

He also underlined that the fate of those who choose to jeopardise the security and stability, which we have sacrificed so much for, must be decided only by the legal and democratic process — not by speculation or media campaigns.

The PUK President's full message:

The past week, Sulaymaniyah has witnessed incidents that brought sorrow to families and concern to the wider public.

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.

At such moments, it is easy for rumours and misinformation to spread. Competing media outlets have too often deepened confusion rather than provided clarity. I must be clear: no individual or militia is above the law. The fate of those who choose to jeopardise the security and stability, which we have sacrificed so much for, must be decided only by the legal and democratic process — not by speculation or media campaigns.

Asayish, as a lawful security institution of the Kurdistan Regional Government, has released its report to preserve public interest and tackle this information, and it is our collective duty to allow the competent legal authorities to continue their work, free of interference.

I have therefore instructed all media platforms affiliated with our movement to not engage in exchanges that amplify baseless claims from other outlets. We will not lower ourselves to such levels; your duty is to present facts responsibly and preserve public trust. Our priority must be to protect the lives and rights of our citizens, uphold the rule of law, and prevent those who rely on force and intimidation from hijacking public trust.

We ask the legal authorities to carry out their duties in accordance with the law, with fairness and transparency, and to ensure that the rights of every citizen are safeguarded. The actions of unlawful militia’s must not be allowed to overshadow the will of our people for peace, unity, and democracy.

Bafel Jalal Talabani
President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan



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