MESOP Analyst: PKK Not Involved in KRG Protests

Basnews | Karzan Sabah Hawrami – 11.10.2015 – ERBIL – A Kurdish political commentator and former member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Fayq Gulpi has criticised recent violent protests in the Sulaymaniyah Province of the Kurdistan Region, saying such actions can solve nothing.Gulpi, known to maintain close relations with the PKK, told BasNews that people have the right to protest over the delay of government workers’ salaries, but attacking police and the bureaus of political parties “is just not right.”

Protestors took to the streets of the city of Sulaymaniyah and several other towns in the province on Friday, demanding wages and a solution to the political stalemate regarding the expired presidential term. President Massoud Barzani has remained in position, despite his term ending August, much to the annoyance of minority parties, who want to use the situation to enact reform.

Gulpi blamed politicians for failing to take the opportunity to give citizens a voice through protesting and democratic activities in the last two decades. “That is why people react so aggressively toward the situation,” he said. Five people have so far been killed and scores wounded as violent clashes continue in several districts. However, Gulpi rejected reports claiming PKK members are involved in the violence. “PKK members will certainly not participate in any action which leads to assaulting other parties or public places.”