Leftists attacked in Iraqi Kurdistan
The Worker Communist Party of Iraq (WCPI) has accused the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) — which jointly rules Iraqi Kurdistan with the Kurdish Democratic Party at the behest of Washington — of a savage raid on the homes of its leaders in Sulaymaniyah, southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). WCPI leaders were detained without any justification. The raids took place on February 16.
The detainees include: Fahad Nassir, secretary of the General Union of the Displaced in Iraqi Kurdistan (GUD); Ammar Sharif, WCPI central committee member and a leading member of GUD; Yousif Muhammad, editor of the Al-Nidhal Al-Shiuee (Communist Struggle) Arabic newspaper and a GUD activist; Mahdi, secretary of the Construction Workers Union; and two leaders of the Free Students and Youth Organisation.
The WCPI is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their leaders.
In an appeal published on the Kurdish Media web site on March 4, the WCPI stated: "The homes of Ammar Sharif, Fahad Nassir and Yousif Muhammed were brutally invaded by forces belonging to Sulaymaniyah Security Police, in the PUK-controlled area. They were all arrested and their wives and children treated in the most inhuman and uncivilised way. The police even stole their personal belongings ...
"The three ... are well-known for their struggle against the Baath regime [of Saddam Hussein] and for many years have been the subject of persecution due to their political activities against the regime in southern and central Iraq. In recent years, they have maintained that political activity after moving to Kurdistan.
"These comrades are known and loved by the large number of displaced Arab people who have fled the regime's atrocities in [southern] Iraq in the past few years and sought refuge in Kurdistan.
"We urge you to join with us to protest against this violation by the PUK. Write to the PUK to demand the release of our comrades and urge it to protect the right to exercise the freedom of political activity and to organise."
Protest messages can be sent c/- the Worker Communist Party of Iraq, PO Box 7926, London SE1, 2ZG. Fax 44 171 237 0605.