Omed Khoshnaw: We Will Not Allow Any Demonstration in Erbil Without an Official Permit

ARK News.. The governor of Erbil announced that demonstrations without a permit are strictly prohibited for any person or entity, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. He emphasized that any party organizing a demonstration without obtaining official approval will face the necessary legal measures from security forces.

Omed Khoshnaw, the governor of Erbil and head of its security committee, stated: "Regarding the demonstration that took place last week in Erbil under the pretext of insulting religious sanctities, the root of the issue lies in a poem recited by a teenage boy during previous demonstrations in support of Western Kurdistan. The poem was not his own work, and the boy and his Muslim family have issued public apologies on several occasions. However, some individuals exploited this situation to organize an unlicensed demonstration in the city center."

The governor of Erbil emphasized, "We reiterate that demonstrating without prior authorization is illegal for any party whatsoever. Anyone who violates this and participates in an unlicensed demonstration will face the necessary deterrent measures from the security forces."

He added, "For some time now, certain extremists have been calling for new demonstrations in Erbil, but there is no justification for this. Therefore, we have granted full authority to the security forces (Asayish and police) to take strict measures against anyone who engages in such actions. Demonstrations, gatherings, and protests have their own specific legal frameworks, and we will not permit any demonstration in Erbil without official authorization."

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