Barzani Looted Us, Baghdad Starved Us”: Kurdish Protesters Rage in Manchester
Manchester – 4 June 2025
A powerful video has emerged from a Kurdish protest in front of the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester, showing demonstrators chanting fiery slogans accusing both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of corruption and deliberate impoverishment of the Kurdish people.
Led by an impassioned protester Mr Dana Mohammed shouting, “I chant slogans, you repeat it, understood?” the crowd erupted into synchronized chants calling out what they described as a systemic betrayal:
“Baghdad holds the money it cut the Region’s salary.”
“Barzani’s government full of theft and looting.”
The video captures a raw moment of public frustration, where names like Barzani, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami, and even American and British leadership were invoked. Protesters accused the KRG of signing exploitative contracts and condemned perceived international silence, shouting:
“America shut its eyes, and got money from Barzani.”
“Prime Minister Starmer, come out of your palace go see the Region’s homes, the salaried live in ruins.”
The demonstration, organized by Kurdish activists in the UK including members of the Dakok Organization, is part of a growing wave of diaspora protests demanding financial justice for public sector workers in the Kurdistan Region.
The participants noticed they were being discreetly monitored by a staff member of the Iraqi consulate. Footage from the scene captures an individual covertly observing the protest and the anger expressed by Kurdish activists, including Mr. Mohammed.
Author Profile
- Diyar Harki is an independent investigative journalist and human rights advocate. As a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), he focuses on exposing corruption and human rights abuses in Kurdistan and Iraq. He voluntarily contributes to Kurdfile Media.
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