At a Glance

• The PUK bloc urged the federal government to immediately release all detainees in Khanaqin.
• Lawmakers called for overturning forced demographic changes and the unilateral upgrading of Gulala (Jalawla) and Qaratapa to districts.
• The bloc insisted that all security and administrative matters strictly follow Article 140 legal guidelines.

The PUK bloc in the Iraqi Parliament has urged the federal government to immediately release detained local activists and reverse forced demographic changes in Khanaqin by strictly implementing Article 140 of the Constitution, following previous administrative changes and public demonstrations.

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Key Statement and Focus Area

• The PUK faction said, “We are monitoring the situation in Khanaqin and the Kurdish areas of Diyala with the utmost concern.”
• The faction stressed that “Civil and peaceful activism is a constitutionally guaranteed right.”
• “We call for the immediate release of all detainees and the cancellation of all arrest warrants issued against politicians, activists, and youth,” the lawmakers added.

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The PUK bloc in the Council of Representatives stated on Tuesday that the situation in the Khanaqin region must be managed in strict accordance with the permanent Iraqi Constitution and applicable federal laws.

Regarding the demonstrations, the bloc emphasized that civil and peaceful activism is 'a constitutionally guaranteed right,' particularly when the issue pertains to the implementation of the Constitution and Article 140.

“We demand that the situation be managed away from the use of force and arbitrary arrests, and that the sensitivity and unique nature of Khanaqin and these territories be fully taken into consideration,” the statement added.

The faction highlighted that “demographic changes, the upgrading of Gulala (Jalawla) and Qaratapa to districts, and the dissolution of Saadiya and Qaratapa sub-districts must be overturned.”

The PUK representatives demanded that these administrative matters be resolved strictly within the framework of the Constitution and Article 140, calling for an immediate halt to all unconstitutional measures.

“Our message to the proud people of Khanaqin and the Kurdish areas of Diyala: we understand that you are under immense pressure and that your region faces numerous problems and obstacles,” the statement remarked.

The bloc called on the people “to calmly advocate for your rights within the framework of the Constitution and the law. We assure you that we, the PUK faction, will stand by you and remain your constitutional and legal defenders.”

FYI

The bloc's statement follows a security crackdown in Khanaqin, where Iraqi forces pre-emptively arrested local activists ahead of a planned Monday protest calling for the enforcement of Article 140. 

The Diyala Provincial Council unilaterally separated the strategic sub-districts of Jalawla (Gulala) and Qaratapa from the Khanaqin District earlier this year to elevate them into independent districts. 

The Kurdistani Parties in Khanaqin issued a joint statement yesterday, backing a temporary halt to local protests due to security concerns 

The factions called on Kurdish representatives in Baghdad and Iraq’s four presidencies to respond to the legitimate demands of the local population, adding that “Your immense enthusiasm to protect the Kurdish identity of the region has sent a clear message to all sides that violating Article 140 and ignoring constitutional rights pose a major danger.”

Meanwhile, Karwan Yarwais, head of the PUK’s Garmian-Khanaqin headquarters, has categorically denied all rumors regarding the issuance of an arrest warrant against him. 

Yarways emphasized that their political and civic activities remain strictly within the constitutional framework, announcing that he will meet face-to-face with the Iraqi President in Baghdad today to advocate for Kurdish national rights and demand the implementation of Article 140.

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